i 



THE SUNDAY SCHOOL 
CENTURY m 

A. ▲ ▲ 

WILLIAM EWING 




Class _iBj(XL2^ 



CUEffiJGKT BfiPOSiZ^ 



THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL CENTURY 




President and Vice-President for Thirty-one Years 



THE 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL CENTURY 

CONTAINING A HISTORY OF 

THE CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL AND 
PUBLISHING SOCIETY 

BY 

REV. WILLIAM EWING, D.D. 




THE PILGRIM PRESS 

BOSTON CHICAGO 



< 



COPTBIQHT 1918 

By frank M. SHELDON 



THE PILGRIM PRESS 
BOSTON 



B -' i9i9 
©C(.A5il529 



DEDICATED 
IN MEMORY OF THE INSPIRING LIFE OF 

SAMUEL B. CAPEN, LL.D. 

FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS PRESIDENT. AND FOURTEEN 
YEARS VICE-PRESIDENT, OF 

THE CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL AND 

PUBLISHING SOCIETY 

AND 

THE DELIGHTFUL FELLOWSHIP AND COOPERATION FOR 

THIRTY YEARS OF ITS SECRETARIES, FIELD 

WORKERS AND EDITORS 



INTRODUCTION 

By Rev. Albert E. Dunning, D.D. 

The organizations through which Congregational churches 
have carried on their general benevolence have been their 
main bond of union. These societies have been formed by- 
groups of individuals rather than by direct action of the 
churches, but they have expressed in their administration 
the will of the churches and therefore have been adopted by 
them as their agencies for advancing the Kingdom of God. 
Hence the history of these societies is to a large extent the 
history of the denomination. 

Dr. Ewing has done an important service in searching out 
and recording the origin and growth of the organizations 
which have from time to time been merged in The Congrega- 
tional Sunday-School and Publishing Society, and its progress 
to the present day. It has occupied a more important posi- 
tion, both in promoting the usefulness of the local churches 
and in extending the influence of the denomination, than is 
generally recognized. It has been a potent influence of the 
churches in creating their literature, in guiding the education 
of their children and youth, in shaping their theology, and in 
developing their polity. 

This volume deserves to be studied by those who would 
understand the genius of Congregationalism, and by those 
who would preserve and develop it. They will find in it 
encouragement from the records of faithful men and women 
who labored as pioneers without thought of being remem- 
bered by future generations, and who often builded better 
than they knew. 

The changes now in progress in the administration of 
Congregational churches as a denomination, and in their re- 



viii Introduction 

lation to other denominations make this record of increased 
interest, by way of comparison, and as an introduction to 
the new Congregationalism which is evolving from the older 
type. 

Brookline, Mass. 
August, 1918 . 



FOREWORD 

No organization connected with the Christian Church has 
anything Uke the membership which is found in our modern 
Sunday-schools. When they were first started, there was 
httle thought of their welfare demanding the best effort of 
each denomination, much less of organizations national and 
world-wide, for their development. In the last century each 
of the active, growing denominations has built up its own 
strong society for planting, fostering and improving its Sun- 
day-schools, and furnishing them with suitable literature. 
This activity has been especially marked in the last half of 
the century and it has every promise of vastly greater de- 
velopment. The Sunday-school work of the Congregational 
churches, as of other denominations, is inseparably con- 
nected with organizations formed for its promotion. The 
following pages give the history of various organizations be- 
cause they reflect the Sunday-school work of the Congrega- 
tional churches, which has made a vast contribution to the 
world's welfare. 

The evolution of an effective organization for good is always 
a fascinating story. It is all the more interesting in propor- 
tion to the difficulties that beset it. The Congregational 
Sunday-School and Publishing Society had its roots back in 
what seemed very small beginnings. The changes and dif- 
ferent names assumed indicate how its progenitors struggled 
towards an ideal. They no sooner organized to meet their 
present necessities than it was found necessary to reorganize 
and face still greater responsibilities. From a state organiza- 
tion to one that is national, and from the publication of a few 
juvenile books for the Sunday-school to the putting forth of a 
vast variety of high-class publications, and the issuing of a 
series of helps for the Sunday-schools which would have made 
our fathers stare with amazement, suggest the evolution that 
has taken place. This is the history that is set forth in the 
following pages. It discloses what a large and wide-reaching 



X Foreword 

Sunday-school work has been accompHshed by the Congrega- 
tional churches, and the important part that has been borne 
by their Sunday-School Society. It is interesting to note the 
development of a tiny bud into a full-grown flower, which 
takes days or weeks in the course of nature, but by the ''movie" 
camera one can see the process in a few moments. It required 
a century for the evolution of the Sunday-School Society. 
It is attempted here by the '* movie " plan to show the results 
in a book which can be read in a few hours. 

The story undertaken is of the first hundred years of Sunday- 
school work in which Congregationalists, as such, took re- 
sponsibility. At the end of that time new emphasis is given 
by the organization of the Sunday-School Extension Society, 
affiliated with the Church Extension Boards, intended to give 
a new Sunday-school emphasis to all the home missionary 
operations of the denomination. At the same time the 
Education Society, one of the oldest and most highly honored 
Congregational organizations, takes the responsibility of 
furthering the educational work which hitherto had been 
associated with Sunday-school extension, thus bringing the 
best religious educational methods to the entire denomina- 
tion. The statistical data are included up to 1916 which, 
at the time of writing, is as far as tabulated. Special items 
of interest in regard to the work are, as far as possible, brought 
up to the date of publication. The new and larger operations 
upon which the denomination has entered are left for the 
second hundred years of Congregational religious educational 
history. 

The writer is indebted to the librarians of Boston for their 
courtesy and assistance in research, especially those of the 
Congregational Library and the Massachusetts Historical 
Society. He would also express his thanks to Dr. F. K. 
Sanders for valuable data which he kindly furnished, and to 
Dr. M. C. Hazard, Dr. A. E. Dunning, Rev. Parris T. Farwell, 
and many others, for suggestions and co-operation. 



CONTENTS 



Introduction A. E. Dunning, D.D. 

Foreword 

Chapter I. Sunday-School Beginnings 
The Family and Selectmen 
The First Sunday Schools 
Educational Beginnings 
The Sunday School as a Pioneer Agency 



PAGE 

vii 



Chapter II. Beginnings of Organizations 

The Boston Society for the Moral and Religious 

Instruction of the Poor 
The American Sunday School Union 
The Massachusetts Sabbath School Union 



Chapter III. Beginnings of Denominational Effort 17 

The Congregational Society Organized 
Meeting Denominational Needs 
The First Charter 
Years of Development 
Forerunners of Children's Day, World Service, and 

Denominational Support 
First Field Workers, and Results East and West 
The Effect of the Civil War 
Temperance Instruction 
Restored Prosperity 

Chapter IV. The Consolidation which Formed The Congregational 

Sabbath-School and Publishing Society 30 

The Congregational Board of Publication 
The Work Strengthened by Union 
United Society Incorporated 
The Call to Become National 
Fear of a National Council 
The Compositeness of the New Society 

Chapter V. Years of Experiment 39 

Shortening the Name of the Society 
Transfer to the Home Missionary Society 
The Conferences at Chautauqua 
Review of Transfer by Dr. Capen 
Retransfer to the Sunday-School Society 



xii Contents 

PAOB 

Chapter VI. Reorganization and Advance 46 

General Secretaries: 
A. E. Dunning, D.D. 
Rev. Asa BuUard 
George M. Boynton, D.D. 
Frank K. Sanders, D.D. 
William Ewing, D.D. 

Chapter VII. Departmental Divisions 63 

Missionary and Extension 
The Business Department 

The Chicago Agency 
The Editorial Department 

Organizing the Department 

Dr. Hazard 

Dr. Winchester 
The Congregationalist 
The Educational Department 

Chapter VIII. Executive Officers and Directors 66 

The Presidents 
Board of Directors 
Treasurers 

Chapter I X. Financing the Society 70 

Grants from the Business Department 
Individuals' Gifts 
Women's Societies 
Legacies 
Annuity Gifts 
Permanent Funds 
Financial Growth 

Chapter X. Children's Day 74 

Chapter XI. Foreign Work 78 

Abroad 
At Home 

Chapter XII. State Development 82 

New England 

Massachusetts 

Connecticut 

Rhode Island 

Maine 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 
Central States 

Illinois 

Wisconsin 

Ohio 

Indiana 



Contents xiii 

PAGE 

Central States, continued 

Iowa 

Michigan 

Nebraska 

Kansas 
Northwestern States 

South Dakota 

North Dakota 

Minnesota 
Mountain States 

Colorado 

Wyoming 

Montana 

Idaho (Northern) 

Idaho (Southern) 

Utah 

Arizona and New Mexico 
Pacific Coast States 

Washington 

Oregon 

California (Southern) 

California (Northern) 
The Southwest 

Missouri 

Oklahoma 

The " Panhandle " 

Louisiana 
The South 
New York District 
Alaska 
Hawaii 
Porto Rico 
Canada 

Chapter XIII. Achievements and Outlook 131 

Opportunities 
Adjustments and Larger Things 

Appendix A. Statistics. 

Appendix B. List of workers, writers and others connected with 
the Society. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Samuel B. Capen Frontispiece 

OPPOSITE PAGE 

Hon. WiUiam Reed 13 

Rev. Asa BuUard 13 

Hon. Charles Theodore Russell 13 . 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D 13 

Secretaries 42 

Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D. 
Rev. Frank K. Sanders, D.D. 
Rev. Frank M. Sheldon 
Rev. George M. Boynton, D.D. 
Rev. WiUiam Ewing, D.D. 

Early Superintendents 46 *^ 

Rev. John L, Maile 
Rev. Jeremiah E. Piatt 
Rev. Harlan P. Case 
Rev. Jeremiah D. Stewart 
Rev. John R. Reitzel 

Editors 56 

M. C. Hazard, Ph.D. 
Rev. Benjanin S. Winchester, D.D. 
Rev. Howard A. Bridgman, D.D. 
Sidney A. Weston, Ph.D. 

First Educational Secretaries 65 ^ 

Rev. James P. O'Brien, D.D. 
Rev. Robert W. Gammon, D.D. 
Rev. Miles B. Fisher, D.D. 
Rev. Milton S. Littlefield, D.D. 

Eastern Representatives 82 v 

Rev. Gabriel H. DeBevoise 
Rev. Francis J. Marsh 
WilHam A. Duncan, Ph.D. 
Captain Geo. W. Lane 
Rev. Arthur W. Bailey 

Central Superintendents 90 

Rev. H. T. Sell, D.D. 
Rev. E. W. MiUer 
Rev. George C. Haun 
Rev. W. F. McMillen, D.D. 
Rev. O. L. Robinson 



xvi Illustrations 

OPPOSITE PAGE y 

Iowa Superintendents 95 '^ 

Rev. James R. Knodell 
Rev. Otterbein O. Smith 
Rev. Henry W. Tuttle, D.D. 
Rev. Charles A. Towle 
Rev. Augustus C. Hacke 

Northwestern Superintendents 100 

Rev. W. B. D. Gray 
Rev. CM. Daley 
Rev. E. H. Stickney, D.D. 
Rev. R. P. Herrick, D.D. 
Rev. S. H. BueU 

Mountain State Superintendents 104 

Rev. Charles N. Fitch 

Rev. Herbert E. Lee 

Rev. Franklin J. Estabrook 

Rev. Allen S. Bush 

Rev. Gregory J. Powell, D.D. 

Pacific Coast Superintendents 113 

Rev. Samuel Greene, D.D. 
Rev. John H. Matthews 
Rev. Charles H. Curtis 
Rev. Loyal L. Wirt, Ph.D. 
Rev. Edwin J. Singer 
Rev. Howard N. Smith 

Southwestern Superintendents 118 

Rev. W. L. Sutherland 
Rev. G. W. Chatfield 
Rev. C. G. Murphy, D.D. 
Rev. H. E. Ingham 
Rev. J. B. Gonzales 

Southwestern and Mountain State Superintendents 121 

Rev. Henry C. Cronin 
Rev. Herbert A. Deck 
Rev. Ludwig Thomsen 
Rev. John C. Huntington 
Rev. S. Edward Lynd, Ph.D. 

Central and Southeastern Superintendents 124 

Rev. John F. Blackburn 
Rev. James M. Graham 
Rev. Charles L. Fisk 
Rev. George B. Waldron 
Rev. William O. Berckman 

Southern Superintendents 126 ' 

Rev. Almon T. Clarke, D.D. 
Rev. Elmer W. Butler 
Rev. Charles T. Rogers 
Rev. Asher W. Curtis, D.D. 
Rev. William Shaw 



THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL CENTURY 

Chapter I 
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINNINGS 

The Family and Selectmen 

Not until about the year 1816 did Sunday-schoo] activity 
become general among Congregational churches of America. 
From that time may be dated the Congregational Sunday- 
school century. The Pilgrim churches, however, had not 
been unmindful of moral and religious instruction of children 
and also adults, in the family, the church, and public schools. 
This was a regular part of the work of the " pastor and 
teacher," and so important was it considered for the welfare 
of the community that it was frequently the subject of legisla- 
tion. In 1642 a law was passed by the Massachusetts Colony 
requiring the selectmen to see " that all masters of families do, 
once a week at least, catechise their children and servants in 
the grounds and principles of religion; and if any be unable 
to do so much, that then, at least, they procure such children 
and apprentices to learn some short orthodox catechism 
without book, that they may be able to answer unto the ques- 
tions that shall be propounded to them out of such catechism, 
by their parents or masters, or any of the selectmen, when 
they shall call them to a trial of what they have learned in 
that kind." 

Similar laws were passed in Connecticut. They were 
frequently considered at town meetings, and were from time 
to time reenacted with specific directions. The record of the 
meetings of the selectmen of Woburn, Massachusetts, states: 
'' The Selectmen mette the 5: day of Octob. 1674; and agreed 



2 The Sunday-School Century 

on the 15 : day of this instant mo. to goe throo the Town and 
examin the family s about catechizing.'' 

Many of the leading divines issued treatises for the rehgious 
instruction of the young, and the Westminster Shorter Cate- 
chism was introduced into New England soon after its publica- 
tion in 1647, and was almost universally used. 

As time went on, it became difficult to maintain old methods. 
There is a memorandum of May 19, 1808, supposed to be 
taken from the town records of Lexington, Massachusetts, 
enjoining *' that the Sacred Scriptures and the Assembly's 
Catechism be in future introduced into all our (pubhc) 
schools." At the beginning of the nineteenth century there 
was a breaking away from the old customs, which had proved 
good for the early Colonial conditions, and the important 
question was what should take their place. 

In this period of rapid national transition and expansion the 
Sunday-school movement began. It was exposed to many 
dangers: it might be adopted by one section of the Christian 
Church, and not by another; it might follow narrow denomina- 
tional lines, and perpetuate differences which already separated 
religious people. But it is one of the tokens of divine guidance 
that the Sunday-school development received inspiration and 
impulse from noble men and women in nearly all denomina- 
tions in many lands, and has been from the beginning a 
unifying agency among all Christians. 



The First Sunday-Schools 

It is difficult to ascertain where the first Sunday-schools of 
the new world were formed, or even the first of the Pilgrim 
faith, but, as nearly as can be determined, the first Congrega- 
tional school was organized in 1805 in Bath, New Hampshire, 
by Rev. David Sutherland. Its modernity can be realized 
by the fact that his grandson, Rev. W. L. Sutherland, was until 
1917 a superintendent of The Congregational Sunday-School 



The Family and Selectmen 3 

and Publishing Society, and is now pastor at Medford, Minne- 
sota. In 1810 schools were organized in Beverly and Con- 
cord, Massachusetts. The first Sunday-school in Boston was 
estabHshed in 1812 by Miss Lydia Adams, a teacher of a 
week-day school. While on a visit to Beverly she heard of 
the Sunday-school which had been organized there, and 
on her return to Boston she immediately set about organizing 
such a school. The plan was her own, but her pastor. Dr. 
Charles Lowell, gave his sanction and hearty cooperation. 
Charles Walley, Esq., made a donation to this school of six 
Bibles, twelve Testaments, twelve Watts' Shorter Cate- 
chisms, twelve Watts' Divine Songs for Children, and twelve 
Hymn Books for Infant Minds. This gift constituted the 
first Sunday-school library in Boston. In 1822 this school 
united with the one established that year in the West Parish, 
of which Dr. Lowell was pastor. 

In 1812 two Sunday-schools were established in Salem, 
Massachusetts, one by the ladies of the South Church, of 
which Dr. Hopkins was pastor, and the other in the Taber- 
nacle Church. A school which reflects the character of the 
work of the period was organized in 1814 in Newburyport by 
three young ladies. They secured the use of the building 
formerly occupied by Dr. Spring's church, but went forward 
without direct aid from any of the churches. The first year 
they enrolled about one hundred. The school prospered, 
and in 1827 it reported eight hundred pupils. Teachers' 
meetings were held, and at three successive sessions there 
were sixty-six, sixty-five, and eighty-four teachers present. 
At one of these meetings the teachers voted " that the Evan- 
gehcal and Familiar Catechism for Sunday School in New York, 
abridged from Rev. Joseph Emerson's, and the Assembly's 
Shorter Catechism be taught in the school." At another 
session the question was discussed whether the presence of 
black children might prevent the attendance of white, and it 
was voted " that, for the present, no blacks be admitted.'' 



4 The Sunday-School Century 

At the next meeting the vote was reconsidered, and it was 
decided " that the blacks be admitted." 

From the beginning Sunday-schools were organized and 
sustained by earnest Christian people, who for the most part 
were connected with the churches. It was, however, some 
time before any denomination, or even any group of churches, 
assumed responsibility for directing or extending Sunday- 
school work. Many of the schools were gathered in school- 
houses, or halls, independently of anj^ church, and in some 
cases were opposed by the churches. Those who were most 
actively engaged felt the need of combining for improving 
and extending the work, and very soon the name " Sunday- 
School Society " became common, used either in connection 
with an individual school or a group of schools associated for 
mutual helpfulness and for establishing other schools. In 
1814 Dr. Lyman Beecher of Litchfield, Connecticut, preached 
a sermon on " The Waste Places of New England," calhng 
for united action and more organization for the advancement 
of religious instruction. The sermon was widely circulated, 
and did much to stimulate the multiplying of Sunday-schools. 
To such an extent did different organizations develop that 
fourteen years later Dr. Beecher stated that what he had 
pleaded for had been in large measure accomplished. 

Congregational churches, like those of most other denomina- 
tions, did not for some time consider it necessary to form a 
distinct Society for Sunday-school work. Dr. Beecher and 
many of the Congregational ministers of his time, with pro- 
phetic vision, commended and encouraged Sunday-school 
organizations. It is to the credit of the Pilgrim churches that 
they were quick to adopt this new method of religious instruc- 
tion, and to cooperate in a truly catholic spirit for its extension. 

Educational Beginnings 

The need of constant improvement in Sunday-school 
methods was early recognized. In 1817 the Sunday School 



The Family and Selectmen 5 

Guide, by Rev. John Angell James, published in England, 
was reissued in New York. The Boston Recorder quotes from 
it a brief account of the origin, progress, and improvement of 
the Sabbath-school system of education. In the same issue 
there was an editorial defending Sunday-schools from objec- 
tions urged against them, such as that they were a novelty; 
were unnecessary; interfered with the sanctity of the 
Sabbath; and deprived children of their only time of 
relaxation. 

In many sections of the country educational ideals were 
low and educational methods poor. The Sunday-schools 
suffered in consequence, and at first were often occupied in 
teaching children or adults to read, and in giving the most 
rudimentary education. The real leaders, however, were 
quick to see that the Bible as a text-book furnished a treasure 
of inestimable value, and soon Bible study became the su- 
preme object. Ingenious and sometimes peculiar methods of 
Bible study were adopted. One girl is reported to have se- 
lected ninety passages of Scripture to '' prove the depravity 
of man," and others found from sixty to seventy passages to 
prove that '' mercy is God's darling attribute." Remarkable 
feats were exhibited in memorizing Scripture. It is recorded 
that in a Sunday-school conducted by Mr. Patterson in 
Philadelphia, '' one little boy about seven years of age recited 
1360 New Testament verses, which he had learned during the 
week, besides attending to his other studies every day at 
school." Asa Bullard, in his book. Fifty Years with the Sahhath 
Schools, tells of Abigail Follensbee, a girl ten years of age, in 
Newburyport, Massachusetts, who, in less than six months, 
committed to memory the book of Matthew and the One 
Hundred and Nineteenth Psalm, together with twenty-two 
other sections consisting of fifty-four verses, twenty hymns, 
forty-four Scripture proofs, and one tract, also the principal 
part of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. The annual re- 
port of this school for the year 1818, gives the number of 



6 The Sunday-School Century 

verses committed to memory during the first four months 
of the season as nearly one hundred thousand. 

The defects of mere memorizing were soon discovered. 
Sometimes in a class of six or eight so many chapters had been 
committed to memory that not more than one-half of the 
members had time to recite, and there was no time for explana- 
tion, or remarks. 

The first annual report of the Maine Sabbath School Union 
in 1827 states: ''The practice of hearing long lessons, and 
estimating the merit of the scholar by the quantity committed 
to memory, has been discarded to a considerable extent; 
and many advantages have been found to result from limited 
recitation, accompanied with full and easy explanations from 
the teachers.'* 

The effort, thus early, to use good pedagogical methods was 
of great help in Sunday-school extension. Striving for better 
things furnished a bond of union between churches in the 
same denomination, and did much to bring different denomina- 
tions into active co-operation. This fraternal bond was 
indispensable to the progress of the work, and has helped to 
produce such organizations as the American Sunday-School 
Union (1824), The National Sunday-School Association (1834), 
which became the International in 1875, the World's Sunday- 
School Association, July 1, 1889, and the Sunday-School 
Council of Evangelical Denominations in the United States 
and Canada, October 27, 1910. From the beginning the 
denominations worked in the closest co-operation, and gave 
promise of that which is now taking place, the uniting of the 
Sunday-school forces of the world for improved methods and 
world-wide service. 

From the first the evangelistic opportunity furnished the 
greatest of all incentives. Early reports frequently indicated 
how many had become '* hopefully pious." The main object 
has always been to bring the pupils into the Christian fife 
and into the church, and to develop Christian character and 



The Family and Selectmen 7 

service. This has demanded the combination of missionary- 
zeal with the best known educational methods. 

The Sunday-School as a Pioneer Agency 

The prominent part that pioneering was to have in Sunday- 
school extension was foreshadowed from the beginning. Rev. 
Samuel Goddard in the year 1830 wrote of his early Sunday- 
school experiences in Vermont : 

" It is now about twenty years since I was first settled in the ministry 
in one of the new towns in the north part of this state. They had never 
before had a minister, and the youth and children were growing up in 
ignorance, and the Bible had been neglected by the parents. 

" I had never seen and rarely heard of a Sabbath school. I, however, 
attempted to engage the children to study the Scriptures, and collected a 
few together in what I called a Bible school. At first I could obtain only 
the children of two or three families. For several years I could not per- 
suade an individual to assist in the instruction; but the school increased, 
and one after another was induced to assist. In a few years there were 
teachers enough, and the children of every family but one in town were 
members of the Sabbath school, and I have seen a child of that family 
sorry because her father would not permit her to attend. 

" After I left that people, who were very poorly able to support the 
gospel, they were much disheartened, and ready to despair of ever seeing 
another minister settled among them. But these Sabbath-school 
children were not satisfied. Their anxiety to have the Sabbath-school 
and their soHcitations with their parents were the very efficient means in 
establishing again the preached gospel among them; and many of these 
scholars are now hopefully in the kingdom of Christ." 

In this and similar ways began the long and honored career 
of pioneer Sunday-school service. Frequently it has been 
conducted, as in this case, by individual effort, but more often 
through organizations which have sent forth large numbers of 
noble workers who have gathered Sunday-schools in thousands 
of destitute communities in all sections of our land. 



Chapter II 
BEGINNINGS OF ORGANIZATIONS 

The Boston Society for the Moral and Religious 
Instruction of the Poor 

In 1816, when little was known of Sunday-school work in 
this country, the Boston Society for the Moral and Religious 
Instruction of the Poor was organized. The Society collected 
information respecting Sunday-schools in England, investi- 
gated conditions in Boston, and discovered great need of 
religious instruction among the poor. It was found neces- 
sary to remove numerous objections that were made to this 
form of Christian effort; but these were gradually overcome, 
and for twelve years one of the chief objects of the Society 
was Sunday-school instruction. It distributed literature and 
sent circulars to pastors and churches. New methods were 
tried in the schools under the care of the Society, and the 
benefit of the experience was given to others. These 
results contributed in no small degree toward shaping Sunday- 
school operations and extending them far and wide. In 
1817 the Boston Recorder, the predecessor of The Congrega- 
tionalist, contained a notice signed by Mr. Thomas Vose, 
Secretary of the Society, announcing that the Anniversary 
Meeting would be held in the Old South Church, with a 
sermon by Rev. Dr. Huntington, the children of the Sabbath 
school of that church were to be present, and a collection would 
be taken for the work. 

In 1826 this society had under its patronage fourteen schools, 
which enrolled an aggregate of 179 teachers and 1,604 pupils. 
Each school, contrary to the custom of the time, consisted of 
both boys and girls. The schools met at 8 a.m. in summer 
and 8.30 in winter, and at one, or half -past, in the afternoon 

8 



Beginnings of Organizations 9 

through the year, continuing their instruction at both ses- 
sions until pubhc worship commenced. Each school had one 
superintendent, with whom a number of teachers were asso- 
ciated, and the schools were generally held in the public 
schoolhouses. Much of the instruction would be called secu- 
lar, but the sessions were opened with prayer and closed with 
singing. Fort Hill School, which reported 24 teachers and 
154 pupils, secured a library of nearly 150 volumes. Children 
who conformed to rules respecting punctuality, diligence and 
good behavior were entitled to use the library. The annual 
report states : 

" We have endeavored to impress the children with the belief that this is 
no small privilege, and the effect has been to produce very perceptible 
and happy improvement in the order and regularity of the school. One 
Sabbath in the month is devoted to committing to memory the Ten Com- 
mandments, forms of prayer, and the rules and regulations of the school, and 
to imparting such miscellaneous instruction as cannot conveniently be 
given along with the weekly Scripture lessons." 

The Boston Society for the Moral and Religious Instruction 
of the Poor was the first organized effort of any importance 
by the Congregational churches for sustaining and enlarging 
the Sunday-school work. The date of its organization, 
October 16, 1816, fittingly marks the beginning of the 
first Congregational Sunday-school century. The Society 
did an important work in its day. In 1829 it transferred its 
Sunday-school work to the Boston Sabbath School Union, 
an auxiliary to the Massachusetts Sabbath School Union, 
which became a part of the Massachusetts Sabbath School 
Society, the immediate and most important forerunner of the 
Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society. 

The American Sunday-School Union 

Organized cooperation was found necessary in starting, 
maintaining and improving Sunday-schools. This gave rise 



slO The Sunday-School Century 

to many local organizations which were called unions, or 
associations. The combination of local unions frequently 
became state- wide in effort, and as early as 1820 the New 
York Sunday-School Union proposed a national society. 
In 1817 the local Sunday-school unions in Philadelphia joined 
in forming The Sunday and Adult School Union, which within 
seven years became the largest Sunday-school organization in 
America, uniting over seven hundred affiliated schools and 
auxiliaries. As a result of this and other movements, in 1824 
a national organization was formed. The American Sunday- 
School Union, of which the Philadelphia Sunday and Adult 
School Union was the principal factor. Its object as stated 
was '' To concentrate the efforts of Sabbath School associa- 
tions in different sections of the country; to circulate moral 
and religious publications in every part of the land; and to 
endeavor to plant a Sunday-school wherever there is a popula- 
tion." 

In order to unite the churches in support of the Union, the 
leading evangelical denominations were given, as far as 
possible, a proportionate representation in its control. Many 
Sunday-school organizations in different parts of the country 
became auxihary, but the denominations, as such, did not 
assume responsibility for the American Sunday School Union. 
It, however, received the financial support of a large number 
of churches and individuals. In the first five years it issued 
over six million copies of Sunday-school literature, including 
two hundred different publications for libraries; started a 
Teachers' Magazine and two other periodicals, and expended 
annually over $75,000. In this period it had in its connection 
6,000 schools, with 60,000 teachers, and over 400,000 pupils. 
In 1833 it reported that 2,607 teachers and 5,121 pupils had 
j)rofessed Christ in that year. 

In these early years the Union found difficulty in securing 
financial support and at the end of fifty years it was burdened 
with a heavy debt. In 1882 a vigorous financial campaign 



Beginnings of Organizations 11 

was begun, and in fifteen years the Society was placed on a 
strong financial basis. Congregation alists were interested in 
the organization of the American Sunday-School Union and 
as individuals and churches contributed Uberally toward its 
support. 

Among those who loyally sustained this union work was 
the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society. When that 
organization, in consequence of the development of Congrega- 
tional Sunday-school work, was called upon for a nation-wide 
service, difficulties were encountered. The objection was 
made that the American Sunday-School Union, in collecting 
funds and in the general prosecution of the work, duplicated 
the efforts of the Massachusetts society. There was also 
difficulty in regard to the distribution of the publications of 
each organization. Many were convinced that planting and 
fostering Sunday-schools could be promoted most effectively 
in connection with organizations created by the churches. 
The result was that in 1839 the auxiliary relationship between 
the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society and the Ameri- 
can Sunday-School Union was dissolved. Many Congrega- 
tionalists, however, as individuals and churches, continued 
their loyal support to the American Sunday-School Union. 

The Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union 

Notwithstanding the good work done through the American 
Sunday-School Union and different union efforts, the convic- 
tion grew that each denomination must come into direct 
relationship with, and assume responsibility for, its own 
Sunday-school work. Very soon after the establishment of 
the first Sunday-schools, the different branches of the Method- 
ist denomination made the Sunday-school work a part of 
their regular church polity; but neither this nor any other 
denomination of the country created a distinct society for 
Sunday-school work until 1827, when the Methodist Episcopal 



12 The Sunday-School Century 

Sunday-School Union was formed. In the same year a 
society was formed by the Protestant Episcopal churches, 
with which a part of the denomination co-operated. In 
1838 the Pubhshing Society of the Presbyterian Church was 
established, and in 1840 that of the Baptist denomination. 

The General Association of Congregational Churches in 
Massachusetts in 1817 recommended " the establishment of 
schools for the pious education of children and youth," but 
the efforts of Congregationalists at this time, in planting and 
fostering schools, were largely undenominational. On account 
of enormous distances and primitive means of transportation, 
a national organization did not seem feasible. State or dis- 
trict societies in different parts of the country, with affiliated 
relationships, seemed as far as it was possible to go. 

In October, 1824, the superintendents and teachers of the 
evangelical Sunday-schools in Boston held a meeting to con- 
sider the propriety of forming a state Sabbath-school union. 
A committee appointed at that time reported favorably, and 
a meeting was called of delegates from the Congregational, 
Baptist, Episcopal, and Methodist Sunday-schools. This 
convention was held May 25, 1825, and organized the Massa- 
chusetts Sabbath-School Union. The Methodists and Episco- 
palians, however, did not cooperate, and the organization 
became the recognized channel for the Sunday-school work of 
the Congregational and Baptist churches. The constitution 
provided : 

" That it should be auxiliary to the American Sunday School Union; 
that its object should be to promote the opening of new, and increase the 
prosperity of the old Sabbath schools, and to form depositories for supply- 
ing schools with suitable books at the lowest terms, to stimulate and 
encourage each other; that each subscriber of one dollar or more annually 
should be a member; that any Sabbath school in the state, by paying 
one dollar, and sending an annual report to the Secretary, should be recog- 
nized as auxiUary; that the surplus revenue of the Society, after bearing 
the incidental expenses, should be transferred to the American Sunday 
School Union." 







Hon. WILLIAM REED 

First President 
Rev. ASA BULLARD 
Fifty-Four Years Secretary 



Hon. CHARLES THEODORE RUSSELL 

First President of United Society 
Rev. clarence F. SWIFT, D.D. 
President, 1916 



Beginnings of Organizations 13 

The Boston Society for the Moral and Religious Instruction 
of the Poor was an important working factor in the newly- 
formed Union. Hon. William Reed of Marblehead was 
elected President. 

The first annual meeting was held in the Old South Congre- 
gational Church, Boston, in the afternoon of June 1, 1826, 
and in Park Street Congregational Church in the evening. 
Each cooperating Sunday-school was called an auxiliary, and 
of the fifty-five represented, forty were Congregational. 
At this time many churches refused to establish Sunday- 
schools, thinking other methods were better; but, on the other 
hand, interest was widespread and rapidly growing. Among 
the resolutions adopted was one presented by Dr. Lyman 
Beecher, expressing the hope that '* the time is not far distant 
when the benign and happy influence of the Sunday-schools 
will extend to every son and daughter of the human family." 

The Society employed seven agents, all students of Andover 
Theological Seminary, to promote the establishment of 
*^ Sabbath schools in those places where they do not at present 
exist, as well as to encourage and strengthen those which are 
in a languishing state." The report indicated that the col- 
lections for the year were $106.92, and that the expenditure 
was $57.08. If the financial base was small, it was certainly 
safe. The reports do not indicate how the agents were sus- 
tained financially. It may be presumed that they were not 
wholly dependent upon the Sabbath-School Union. These 
agents visited 133 towns and parishes. Fifty-five of the 
schools were estimated to contain 879 teachers and 6,883 
pupils. 

The Union was interested in educational improvement as 
well as in extending the work. It issued a book of suggestions 
in which the position was taken that the instruction should be 
more definitely religious, and that '' the Bible alone should be 
used in classes capable of reading and committing to memory, 
each class in the school reciting the same lesson, which should 



14 The Sunday-School Century 

not exceed ten or fifteen verses. The smallest classes may 
recite hymns or the Catechism, or be taught to read in the 
Sunday-school SpeUing Book." The same pamphlet con- 
tained a series of '' Select Scripture Lessons for Sabbath 
Schools," covering the Ufe of Jesus in forty-nine selections 
from the four Gospels, and a table of fifty-two lessons from 
Genesis and the Gospels, recommended by an association of 
teachers of Hartford, Connecticut. 

The second annual meeting showed that the schools had 
increased to 220, containing 23,869 pupils. Twenty-two 
^' agents " were employed during the year, one of whom, John 
S. C. Abbott, afterwards became famous as a minister and 
writer. The Union prospered, and in 1826 it estabhshed a 
depository in the Hanover Street Congregational Church, 
Boston, where during the first year 2,600 books were sold, 
to the value of $1,800. The benevolent contributions 
amounted to $340.25. 

The third year one hundred and thirty-four schools num- 
bered more than three hundred members each, one hundred 
and fifty-four reported Sunday-school libraries, and one 
hundred and twenty-two '' auxiharies " were added, Mr. 
Samuel N. Tenney was employed as agent of the depository, 
and reported sales amounting to $6,826.42. The year was 
also marked by the employment of Rev. Artemus BuUard as 
general agent, to organize new auxiliaries and assist those 
already gathered. 

In 1829 the Union expended in missionary effort about 
$1,000, and its sales were doubled. The depository was 
removed from the Hanover Street Church to larger quarters 
in the Federal Street Baptist Church. A monthly periodical. 
The Sahhath School Treasury y was begun in July of that year. 

During the fifth year the auxiliaries were formed into more 
than twenty subordinate unions, which were expected to 
hold annual meetings, to be attended as far as possible by the 
general agent. Messrs. Norris E. White and Joseph S. Clark, 



Beginnings of Organizations 15 

theological students at Andover, were employed as special 
agents during vacation. 

Rev. Artemus Bullard was commissioned in 1830 to make a 
tour of the Mississippi Valley, to determine in what practical 
ways Sunday-schools could be estabUshed within two years 
in every neighborhood. On arriving in Illinois he found that 
a Sabbath-school union had been recently formed, and he 
recommended that the Massachusetts union help this or- 
ganization. It was voted to pay the American Sunday- 
School Union one thousand dollars, to be invested in books to 
assist in starting a depository in Illinois, and also one thousand 
dollars toward the support of a general agent for that state. 

The sixth annual meeting was held in Park Street Church. 
Before the exercises commenced the house was packed, and 
many were unable to obtain standing room. It is stated that 
there were " several performances of the juvenile choir.'' 
At this meeting it was reported that Maine, Connecticut, and 
Rhode Island had organized Sabbath-school unions, appointed 
agents, and established depositories. 

The resources and the work of the Massachusetts union 
steadily increased, and the two denominations supporting it 
worked in harmony. The denominational character of each 
was recognized, and in the depository some books were carried 
that were acceptable to the Baptists but not to the Congrega- 
tionalists, and the reverse; hence, there was kept a Congrega- 
tional section, a Baptist section, and one acceptable to both. 
It began, however, to be felt by the secretary and others that 
larger things could be accomplished if each denomination 
sustained a Sunday-school Society of its own. A committee of 
the board was appointed to consider the expediency of amica- 
ble separation. This committee reported that, after mature 
consideration, it was deemed expedient that such a division 
should take place, and that after examining the resources from 
which the funds and property were derived, the committee 
considered that equitable terms of division would be: — 



16 The Sunday -School Century 

" After paying all debts, to appropriate one-third of all the 
property remaining on hand to the Baptist denomination, 
and two-thirds to the Congregational." This recommenda- 
tion was approved by the Board, and at the annual meeting 
in 1832 the recommendation was unanimously adopted and 
carried into effect. The record states: *' It was evidently 
in some respects a matter of general regret that the last anni- 
versary of the Union, composed of denominations which had 
progressed with the utmost harmony together, had now ar- 
rived; but the reasons for the separation, drawn from the 
prospect of more efficiency and greater success in promoting 
Sabbath-school education, were so apparent to every mind as 
to induce a unanimous acquiescence in the measure." 

The wide-reaching character of the undertaking entered 
upon was reflected at this meeting, when the hope was ex- 
pressed that the new organizations about to be formed would 
be '' highly auspicious to the cause of Sabbath schools in this 
Commonwealth and throughout the world." 

The union plan was not abandoned from any narrow-minded- 
ness or want of Christian spirit, but simply because it had 
been outgrown, and the time had come for the denominations 
concerned to assume direct responsibility in providing the best 
means for enlarging and improving the Sunday-school work of 
their respective churches, and for carrying it into regions as yet 
unreached. In the language of Dr. Edwards, '' It seemed that 
the Union, though nominally divided, was really doubled." 

Rev. Artemus Bullard, who had rendered a very important 
service, accepted a call from the American Board and be- 
came its agent, with headquarters at Cincinnati, Ohio. 

A far-sighted vision for the nation and world was apparent 
in the organization which was the beginning of The Congrega- 
tional Sunday-School and Publishing Society. The other 
branch formed an important part of the Baptist Board of 
Publications, with headquarters in Philadelphia, a society 
which has grown to even larger proportions. 



Chapter III 
BEGINNINGS OF DENOMINATIONAL EFFORT 
The Congregational Society Organized 

When the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union, with the 
best good-will, divided, or, as it was happily stated, 
"doubled," the Congregational delegates met in Park Street 
Church, May 30, 1832, and elected for president Hon. William 
Reed, who had served the union organization in this office dur- 
ing the seven years of its history. The new board, consisting 
of twelve managers, contained ten who had been members of 
the former board; hence the Society was in very large mea- 
sure a continuation. On account of the continuity of this 
service there is some ground for dating the organization of 
The Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society 
at 1825, instead of 1832. But if 1832 is questioned, it is 
worthy of consideration whether the year 1816, when the 
Boston Society for the Moral and Religious Instruction of the 
Poor was established, could not be claimed, since its most 
important work during the first years was in organizing and 
fostering Sunday-schools. In these two organizations Con- 
gregationalists predominated, but provision was made for 
individuals or churches of different denominations to par- 
ticipate; hence,, these societies did not claim to be strictly 
Congregational. 

It has also been suggested that the Congregational Sunday- 
School Society might date from 1829, when the American 
Doctrinal Tract and Book Society was formed, which after- 
wards became an important part of the organization. In the 
beginning of the Sunday-school movement, however, the pub- 
lishing of Sunday-school literature did not occupy the 
prominent place given to it in later years, and the American 

17 



18 The Sunday-School Century 

Doctrinal Tract and Book Society did not have any direct 
relation to Sunday-school work during the first years of its 
existence. The date of its organization cannot, therefore, 
be claimed for the Sunday-School Society. 

The Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society was formed by 
representatives of Congregational churches. The plans 
adopted from the first and embodied later in the charter, 
in 1841, made provision for missionary, extension, educational, 
and publishing interests. Although it took a state name, its 
plans were nation and world wide; and therefore 1832 is 
rightly regarded as the date of the origin of the Congregational 
Sunday-School and Publishing Society. 

At once the society placed itself at the disposal of the 
churches of the denomination and those cooperating with 
them. The *' plan of union " with the Presbyterian churches, 
entered into by the American Home Missionary Society, was 
still in operation. A broad, undenominational character 
was maintained, but in making grants of literature pref- 
erence was given to Sunday-schools connected with Congre- 
gational and Presbyterian churches, which were placed upon 
the same basis. 

The Baptist organization retained the monthly publica- 
tion. The Sabbath School Treasury, and the Congregational 
Society issued a new magazine, The Sabbath School Visiter, 
A depository was established at 24 Cornhill, Boston; Mr. 
Christopher C. Dean, who had occupied a similar position 
with the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union, was appointed 
agent, and Rev. Christopher Marsh was elected secretary, 
general agent, and editor of The Visiter. 

Enthusiasm marked the beginning of the Massachusetts 
Sabbath-School Society. Its first annual meeting was held 
in Park Street Church, May 30, 1833. The house was full, 
and the audience hstened with great interest to the addresses. 
It was reported that the sales of the depository for the year 
were about $7,500 and that more than $1,000 had been given 



Beginnings of Denominational Effort 19 

for the work in the West. Desire for union effort was still 
strong, and it was resolved: " That this Society learns with 
great pleasure that the American Sunday-School Union, at 
their late annual meeting, passed a resolution that they would, 
by the blessing of God, endeavor to establish, and for five 
years support. Sabbath schools in every neighborhood where 
the people desire it, and in other respects it is practicable, 
within the bounds of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, 
South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, the District of Columbia, 
and the territory of Florida; and that this Society will co- 
operate with them in carrying the Resolution into effect." 
To aid in this, cards were circulated, and although it was 
not intended as an appeal to the citizens of Boston, more than 
$1,000 was subscribed by clergymen and others. 

In 1834, a prosperous year, $12,328.69 was received through 
the depository and for general expenses; and in addition 
$2,341.06 was devoted to the American Sunday-School Union 
for the work in the South and West. 

After two years of good service. Rev. Christopher Marsh 
resigned as general secretary, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Asa Bullard, general agent of the Maine Sabbath-School 
Union, a brother of the former secretary. Rev. Artemus Bul- 
lard. Mr. Bullard began in 1834 his notable career of fifty- 
four years with the Society, forty years as Secretary and 
Editor, and fourteen years as Honorary Secretary. His 
life work marked an era in the growth of the Society and in 
Sunday-school development in America. 

The fourth annual report in 1836 gives an intimation of the 
scope of the work upon which the Society had entered. It 
was noted that during the four years, in addition to support 
given to the American Sunday-School Union, about $2,268 
had been contributed by the Sunday-schools of Massachusetts 
to furnish needy schools in the West, the South, and in Canada, 
with publications of the Society, and to send books to foreign 
lands. Field missionary work had also been done in Massa- 



20 The Sunday-School Century 

chusetts by the Secretary and Mr. C. C. Beaman, a student of 
Andover Seminary. 

In 1837 the society mourned the loss of Hon. William Reed. 
He was the zealous, devoted superintendent of the Sunday- 
school at Marblehead, and was remembered lovingly by old 
and young. It was said of him in relation to the young 
people: " For their good it seemed to be his meat and drink 
to labor, and with the promotion of this object he was Hter- 
ally engaged as his very last act." It meant much to the 
society that its first president was a man of rare character 
and devotion. He was succeeded by Alfred D. Foster, Esq., 
of Worcester, who served one year. 

In the fifth year thirty-five new books were issued, and the 
circulation of The Visiter increased to nearly nine thousand. 
The Question Book on Romans, one of the publications issued, 
circulated widely, reached its sixth edition, and was replaced 
by a simpler one. 

The secretary made a careful investigation in regard to the 
truth of the proverb, '' The children of ministers and deacons 
are worse than other children." Statistics were collected, 
and it was demonstrated in the report at the annual meeting 
that the proverb '' is unjust and false." Sunday-school 
conventions and Fourth of July Sunday-school celebrations 
became common. Revivals in Sunday-schools occupied a 
large share of the Society's attention, and figures were given 
which showed that a large number of pupils had *' made a 
public profession or become hopefully pious " during the year. 

Business depression marked the year which ended in 1838. 
On account of this and because the paper was placed upon 
a " paid in advance " basis, the circulation of The Visiter 
decreased. The Society issued only fifteen new book publica- 
tions, and the income of the depository was reduced to about 
$19,000. Hon. Samuel T. Armstrong was elected president, 
and served the Society with fidehty until his death in 
1850. 



Beginnings of Denominational Effort 21 

Meeting Denominational Needs 

The termination of the auxiliary relations with the American 
Sunday-School Union in 1839 helped to give the society self- 
consciousness, place it upon a solid basis and strengthen its na- 
tional outreach. A new educational emphasis was added, and 
special attention was given to classes for little children, young 
men, adults, and parents; also maternal associations, teachers' 
meetings, Sunday-school concerts, organizations for teach- 
ing benevolences, and enlarging the scope of Sunday-school 
libraries. 

Between thirty and forty of the books published were 
histories of various missions and benevolent societies. They 
set forth the general appearance, geography, soil, products 
and climate of the countries, the manners, customs, habits, 
government, literature, and religion of the people, and gave an 
account of the origin, progress, and prospects of the missions. 

The society also published church histories, suitable for 
Sunday-school use. The Sabbath School Visiter was sent to 
the pastors, thus making a bond of connection between the 
churches and the Board. Special attention for the improve- 
ment of Sunday-school music resulted in the introduction of 
the song book. The Sabbath School Harp. Temperance and 
Sunday-school evangelism were made prominent. The so- 
ciety encouraged reports from individual schools, and these 
were often published in connection with the annual minutes. 
Groups of schools united for mutual improvement and en- 
larged service, and became district organizations auxiliary to 
the Massachusetts society. 

The reports indicate steady progress, in the course of which 
foundations were laid in nearly every department for future 
development. The benevolent work in aid of schools in the 
West and South, in Canada and in foreign fields, did much to 
cultivate both national and international brotherhood. 

In 1840, business depression caused difficulty in collecting 



22 The Sunday-School Century 

funds, and necessitated delay in several contemplated publica- 
tions. The Society, however, issued twelve small volumes 
of the Infant Series ; twenty-nine new books in all. The work 
in Missouri aroused special interest, and in response to earnest 
appeals for assistance, aid was given in the employment of 
Mr. Ashley Samson in that state. A donation of $400 worth 
of the Society's publications was sent to the depository in 
St. Louis. 

The First Charter 

In the year 1841 the society adopted the Act of Incorpora- 
tion passed at the previous session of the legislature, stating 
that the organization was, '' for the purpose of establishing 
and aiding Sunday-schools, supplying Sunday-school libraries, 
and otherwise promoting Sunday-school education." This 
incorporation made provision for the missionary, extension, 
educational, and publishing departments, all of which were 
destined to grow in importance and mutual helpfulness. 

Years of Development 

In 1842 the tenth annual meeting of the society was held 
with much enthusiasm. According to the custom of the time, 
resolutions were introduced, with a good deal of formality. 
On motion of Rev. James Means of Concord, seconded by 
Rev. J. S. Clark, secretary of the Massachusetts Home Mis- 
sionary Society, it was " Resolved: That the child is father 
of the man." And on motion of Rev. William A. Stearns of 
Cambridgeport, seconded by Rev. Alexander W. McClure 
of Maiden, it was " Resolved: That the spiritual prosperity 
of the Sabbath-schools connected with this Association, calls 
for devout gratitude to God, and for new engagedness and 
patience in carrying forward this important enterprise." 
These motions were supported by Rev. A. A. Wood and Rev. 
A, R. Baker. 



Beginnings of Denominational Effort 23 

The entire number of the society's pubHcations for the first 
ten years was 475, of which 256 were bound volumes, and 25 
were question books and catechisms. It was then stated that 
the pubhshing committee had taken measures to obtain each 
year a few standard books of high order, and that they meant 
to spare no reasonable effort to improve the character of all 
the publications. 

The supporters of the society emphasized the importance of 
the influence which it could exert in helping to establish a 
genuine democracy. In the year 1843, on motion of Hon. 
Charles T. Russell of Boston, seconded by Rev. D. Kimball 
of Ipswich, it was " Resolved: That Sabbath-schools are 
peculiarly adapted to the wants of a republic, and in the 
present moral aspect of our country, have an established moral 
claim to the support of friends of free government." 

Dr. Lyman Beecher, Dr. Horace Bushnell, Prof. Calvin E. 
Stowe, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher (a brother-in-law of Rev. 
Asa BuUard), Dr. Henry Wilkes of Canada, and other eminent 
religious leaders were frequently among the speakers at annual 
meetings. 

The secretary, who had made a tour of the West to gain 
information in regard to the wants of schools in that section, 
reported that the destitution was very extensive, and that the 
limited circulation of money throughout the whole region was 
such that this destitution could not be relieved except by 
charitable assistance. The report recommends, " that inas- 
much as the needs existing within the Congregational and 
Presbyterian denominations are far more than sufficient 
to absorb all the aid that our churches and schools will be 
likely to furnish for this object, we feel it our duty to confine 
this aid at present to these." 

In 1845 the Massachusetts General Association commended 
the Sabbath-School Society to the patronage and cooperation 
of the ministers and churches of the state. Benevolent 
contributions increased to $4,000, three-fourths of this sum 



24 The Sunday-School Century 

coming from Sunday-schools, juvenile societies, and young 
people. Most of this was appropriated for libraries and 
literature sent to the missionaries and churches of the American 
Home Missionary Society. 

This period marked the extension of Sunday-school mis- 
sionary work by other denominations. The Sunday-School 
Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church endeavored to 
increase its Sabbath-school fund to one hundred thousand 
dollars per year. The Presbyterian and Baptist societies 
laid the foundations for their large Sunday-school work. 
The Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society had confined its 
benevolent operations largely to the West, but it became ap- 
parent that schools in the East also needed assistance, and 
that the entire work should be put upon a broader basis. 
Sunday-school interest was quickened, and about twenty 
thousand pupils over eighteen years of age were reported in 
the Congregational schools in Massachusetts. 

FOREKUNNEES OF ChILDREN's DaY, WoRLD SeRVICE, AND 

Denominational Support 

In 1846 plans were devised for taking an offering in con- 
nection with the Fourth of July celebrations, and each school 
was asked to contribute a sum equal to two cents per member, 
the gifts to be called an *' Independence Offering." The first 
year about 140 schools contributed $800. The appeal was 
made for Sunday-school missions in the West, and the ob- 
servance was in many respects a forerunner of Children's 
Day. In the annual meeting of 1848 the oft-repeated ques- 
tion was discussed: "Why does the West need so much 
aid in sustaining the cause of Sabbath-schools? " and " How 
long will they probably continue to need it? " The prophetic 
answer was given: "This need arises principally from the 
scarcity of books in that section of our country, and of money 
with which to procure them elsewhere. But both these 



Beginnings of Denominational Effort 25 

sources of want in a few years will, to a great extent, be 
removed. So soon as the channels of communication be- 
tween the East and the West, which are now rapidly increasing, 
shall furnish a market for the immense quantities of produce 
in the Great Valley, money will become more plenty in the 
newer portions of the land, and books too will then be ac- 
cessible. When this shall be the case, the churches now re- 
ceiving aid from the East will begin to make returns, by 
supplying the wants of those in the great West beyond them, 
' towards the setting sun,' or by sending the gospel to those of 
the great East beyond us, ' toward the rising sun.' " 

In 1846 the Vermont Sabbath-School Union had become an 
auxihary, and in 1848 the General Association of New Hamp- 
shire and the General Conference of Maine recommended 
that their Sunday-schools make an annual report through the 
Massachusetts Society. The General Association of Massa- 
chusetts, in assigning particular months for presenting the 
various benevolent objects to the churches, gave the Massa- 
chusetts Sabbath-School Society a place. This was an im- 
portant step in placing the support of the Society upon the 
churches by denominational action. 

In 1849 the activities of the Society extended to Maine, 
New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ten- 
nessee, Ohio, Indiana, lUinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, 
Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, California, the Choctow 
Nation, Persia, Africa, and the Sandwich Islands. At this 
time the Society worked through the pastors, home mission- 
aries, churches already on the ground, and teachers of the 
" Ladies' Society for the Promotion of Education at the West." 
Notwithstanding the excellent service rendered in this way, 
requests came with renewed persistence that agents be em- 
ployed for extending Sunday-school work in the new parts of 
the country. There was a strong sentiment in favor of com- 
plying, but funds did not seem to warrant it at that time, and 
the poHcy was continued of aiding almost exclusively through 



26 The Sunday-School Century 

correspondence, occasional visitations, and grants of literature. 
Up to the year 1851, the whole number of the Society's 
publications was 1,033, of which 608 were bound volumes, and 
48 were text books. The Wellspring was established in 1844, 
and although restricted in its circulation by exorbitant postal 
rates, exerted a wide influence. 

Hon. Samuel T. Armstrong, who had been the devoted 
president since 1838, with the exception of a single year, died 
in 1850, and was succeeded by Hon. Samuel H. Walley, of 
Roxbury, who took a deep interest in the work during his 
presidency of eighteen years. 

At the annual meeting of 1851, the venerable Rev. Dr. 
Lyman Beecher, of Cincinnati, spoke of his long continued 
interest in Sunday-schools, and of his labors in behalf of the 
West. 

First Field Workers, and Results East and West 

Requests continued to come from both East and West for 
the employment of field workers, that the Sunday-schools 
might be strengthened and the hterature of the society more 
generally used. In 1852 steps were taken by the Board of 
Managers to ascertain the desires of the churches in this 
respect. A Sunday-school in western New York made the 
offer of an annual gift of $150, on condition that workers be 
employed. The Albany convention, held in the autumn of 
that year, made it clear that this enlargement should be 
undertaken. 

In 1853 the society commissioned Rev. James Hall, of 
North Scituate, Rhode Island, for Wisconsin, and Rev. D. B. 
Nichols, of Warren, Iowa, for Iowa and northern Ilhnois. 
In 1854 Mr. Hall, during eight months, traveled 2,954 miles; 
gave 139 addresses; revived or organized 13 Sunday-schools; 
sold books to the value of $59.86; donated the value of $209; 
and obtained 375 subscribers for The Wellspring. Because of 



Beginnings of Denominational Effort 27 

the independence of the Congregational churches, the society- 
had not had the loyal support which was given to most pub- 
lishing houses by their own denominations, and the employ- 
ment of workers seemed in a measure to remedy this, since the 
depository, in spite of prevailing business depression, increased 
its business to $28,976 for the year. The society appointed 
two additional field workers, Rev. Samuel Beane for Ohio, and 
Rev. James 0. Barney to take the place of Mr. Nichols, who 
had been transferred to special work in Chicago. 

In 1855 Mr. J. D. Foote began work in western New York, 
and Rev. Eben Colman in Ilhnois. 

In 1856 the Society was aroused to the seriousness of the 
Sunday-school situation. Statistics were gathered in New 
Hampshire, showing that out of 90,000 children between the 
ages of four and twenty-one, not more than 30,000 were con- 
nected with any Sunday-school, and in Massachusetts there 
were 150,000 between the same ages unreached. The So- 
ciety suggested as a remedy that the churches survey the fields 
and establish branch schools under the charge of members of 
the home church for those who were too far away to attend 
the sessions of its Sunday-school. 

Similar conditions or even greater needs were apparent in 
the West. This survey led to the enlargement of the field 
force, and in 1857 the following were in the employ of the 
society: Rev. William B. Hammond, Iowa; Rev. James Hall, 
Wisconsin; Rev. A. 0. Wightman, Ilhnois; Rev. William 
Hall, Indiana; Rev. G. W. Newcomb, Michigan; Rev. P. A. 
Beane, Ohio; and Mr. J. D. Foote, in western New York. 
In 1858 Mr. K. A. Burnell began work in Minnesota and 
Wisconsin. 

The campaign which was begun in 1856 for increasing 
membership and starting branch schools gave encouragement 
and stimulated further activity. In 1859 the society called a 
convention of the Congregational churches of Massachusetts 
in the interests of Sunday-school work, which led to beneficial 



28 The Sunday-School Century 

results both within and beyond the state. An increasing 
number of churches were beginning to look to their own de- 
nomination and their own society for cooperation in Sunday- 
school efforts. Many others who had not come to reahze the 
necessity of denominational fellowship and activity depended 
upon union or interdenominational organizations in Sunday- 
school enlargement and improvement. The steps taken by 
the convention for enlarging the service of the society marked 
an advance both East and West. 

The Effect of the Civil War 

What the result would have been if the enlarged effort had 
been unhampered, it is impossible to tell. All was changed 
by the disturbed conditions prior to and resulting from the 
Civil War. The services of field Sunday-school missionaries 
were almost wholly discontinued, and attention was given 
very largely to furnishing literature to needy schools and to 
the '' boys " at the front. The society supplied 324 libraries, 
containing 17,000 volumes, to the American Seaman's Friend 
Society. An interesting series of six volumes, called The 
Pocket Companion, and other Hterature for soldiers, was pre- 
pared and widely circulated. 

At the close of the war valuable service was rendered in 
connection with the Freedman's Bureau and other organiza- 
tions in the South, and through the different missionary 
agencies that were being adjusted to meet the new conditions 
throughout the country. Appeals came for reappointing field 
workers, but the demand for literature seemed to call for all 
available funds. New England, which had up to this time 
borne in large measure the financial support of the society, 
had undertaken many responsibilities in connection with the 
readjustment of missionary activities; and requests for a 
field force were left in abeyance for a time. The society 
continued to carry on the work principally through the 



Beginnings of Denominational Effort 29 

missionaries of the American Home Missionary Society, the 
American Missionary Association, and in foreign fields through 
the American Board. 

The year 1864 completed thirty years of service of the 
secretary. Rev. Asa Billiard. During that time he had 
traveled more than 160,000 miles; made 2,227 visits to 749 
different towns, and preached 4,268 times. In connection 
with his visits to state and county conferences of churches 
and Sabbath-school conventions, he addressed not less than 
1,200,000 persons. For ten years he edited The Sabbath 
School Visiter, and for twenty years. The Wellspring. Other 
interesting facts in regard to his wide service were given in 
the report of the year. 

Temperance Instruction 

The report for 1865 states: " The Massachusetts Sabbath 
School Society, from its organization, has ever been laboring 
to give the young thorough instruction in regard to the evils 
of intemperance, and the duty of abstinence, as taught by 
the Bible, the laws of health, and the results of experience.'' 

Restored Prosperity and First Business 
Department Grant 

In 1867 the business of the society was prosperous, the 
sales of the depository amounting to $134,675.78, and the 
Board made an appropriation of $5,000, the first grant made 
by the business department for missionary Sunday-school 
work. The reports continually emphasized the fact that the 
society employed no collecting agents, and that all contribu- 
tions were secured through The Wellspring, the regular visits 
of the secretary, and by means of circulars. 



Chapter IV 

THE CONSOLIDATION WHICH FORMED THE 

CONGREGATIONAL SABBATH-SCHOOL AND 

PUBLISHING SOCIETY 

The Congregational Board of Publications 

An event of great importance took place in 1868, when the 
Congregational Board of PubHcation united with the Massa- 
chusetts Sabbath-School Society, forming the Congregational 
Sabbath-School and Publishing Society. It is of interest to 
trace the development of the publishing branch of the society. 

On June 24, 1829, a number of leading Congregational 
ministers, with strong religious doctrinal convictions, held 
a meeting at Taunton, Massachusetts, and estabhshed 
The Doctrinal Tract and Book Society. They associated 
with themselves laymen and ministers representing the 
theology called Edwardsian, Hopkinsian, or The New Eng- 
land Theology. 

The object of the Society, as stated, was '' To procure and 
circulate such tracts and books as are adapted to explain, 
prove, and vindicate the peculiar and essential doctrines of 
the Gospel, and to discriminate between genuine and spurious 
religious affections and experience." They chose Hon. David 
L. Morrill, M.D., LL.D., for president and Rev. Jonas Per- 
kins as secretary. Seven tracts were published during the 
first year, each numbering 3,000 copies, and the expenditures 
were $431.11. The publications were sold when possible, 
but as the society was considered a strictly charitable organiza- 
tion, sales were meager and funds were sohcited to enable the 
society to pubhsh and distribute gratuitously. 

There was apparently no thought at this time of the Doc- 
trinal Tract and Book Society becoming denominational or 



The Consolidation 31 

national. There was a similar society in New Jersey, and 
two in New York state. 

During the first few years the work of the organization 
was practically restricted to issuing and circulating tracts in 
New England. In 1831 the election of Rev. Leonard Woods, 
D.D., of Andover, for president, marked an enlargement of 
the Society. The number of tracts increased, including 
*' The PersonaHty and Offices of the Holy Spirit "; *' Sinners 
Wilful and Perverse"; "The Plea of the Sinner Against 
Eternal Punishment." 

In 1832 the name was changed to The American Doctrinal 
Tract Society. The annual fee, which had been fifty cents, 
was raised to two dollars, and the life membership fee was 
raised from five to twenty dollars. 

In 1834 bound volumes of tracts were issued, and one hun- 
dred volumes of these were presented to the American Board 
to be distributed among its missionaries; and tracts to the 
value of two hundred dollars were voted to the Massachusetts 
Missionary Society. 

From 1836 to 1847, forty-five different tracts were pubhshed 
and circulated, and also issued in bound volumes. In 1847 
steps were taken for an enlargement of the operations of the 
Society by issuing a series of standard works on theology. 
Rev. Sewall Harding was elected agent, and raised about $20,- 
000 for a permanent fund, the object being, '' To stereotype, 
publish, distribute, and perpetuate a class of books generally 
needed to give vigor and stability to the churches." The 
society desired to place these works within reach of ministers 
with small salaries, and the general reading community. The 
society was hard to satisfy with a name, and in 1850 changed 
back to its original title. The Doctrinal Tract and Book 
Society. 

The report for 1851 mentions the publication of '' The 
Memoir of Dr. Nettleton," the works of Bellamy and Jona- 
than Edwards, and those of Dr. Samuel Hopkins in process of 



32 The Sunday-School Century 

publication. In the following year it was resolved to publish 
the works of '' the most distinguished Congregational theolo- 
gians, beginning with John Robinson." 

The same year the society planned for larger service, and 
the report makes mention of a '' design to make this Society 
for the Congregational churches of our land, what the Presby- 
terian Board of Publication is for the Presbyterian churches,'' 
and the name The Congregational Board of PubUcation 
was suggested. 

In 1853 the number of volumes issued had increased to 
twenty-six, including the works of Thomas Shepard and 
Leonard Woods. This year, among other grants, the society 
presented a small library to every Congregational church in 
Michigan. 

Rev. Leonard Woods, who had served as president for 
twenty-three years, died in 1854, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Jacob Ide, D.D. In the same year, by act of the legislature 
of Massachusetts, the name was changed to The Congrega- 
tional Board of Publication. Two colporteurs were employed 
for the circulation of literature. Among the publications of 
1856 was an edition of '' Lectures to Young Men," by Joel 
Hawes, which was widely circulated and of great value. 

In 1857, in addition to the secretary, a depository agent 
was appointed; seven new books were published, and also a 
revision of the works of Dr. Emmons. The society offered 
a prize for an essay on slavery, and selected one entitled, 
" The Error and the Duty in Regard to Slavery." The re- 
port states that it was '' at once philosophical and Scriptural, 
finely harmonizing the Old and New Testament, ethics and 
the Bible, theory and practice, philanthropy and common 
sense." In 1858 the society published '* The Church PoHty 
of the Pilgrims," by Rev. J. W. Wellman, D.D., Sketches of 
the History of the Congregational Churches in Massachusetts 
from 1620 to 1858, by Rev. J. S. Clark, D.D., Porter's '' Re- 
vivals of Religion," and thirty-one new tracts. 



The Consolidation 33 

The work of the society was brought into prominence in 
1859 by the publication of a large volume on the Atone- 
ment, by several New England writers, with an introductory 
essay on The Edwardsian Theology, by Prof. Edwards A. 
Park, of Andover. This book called forth a strongly polemic 
pamphlet, directed against the general management of the 
society, as well as against the book, by Rev. Parsons Cooke, 
D.D., one of its vice-presidents. The discussion occupied 
a large place in the religious thinking and writing of theolo- 
gians of the time. Soon, however, the practical and burning 
questions thrust upon the nation, which resulted in the Civil 
War, greatly modified the doctrinal preaching and writing of 
the denomination, to the exclusion, in a marked degree, of 
speculative theology. 

The society, like all the other benevolent organizations of 
the denomination, started in a small way and very largely 
from individual effort; and onty as it vindicated its usefulness 
did it win a recognized place in the Congregational fellowship. 
Its first depository was established at 114 and was transferred 
in 1853 to 156 Washington Street, Boston. These quarters 
proved too small, and it was moved to Tremont Temple, 
where it remained until 1858. In that year the business was 
transferred to 2 Chauncy Street, in the Congregational 
Library Building, '' where the different Congregational chari- 
table organizations were accommodated, and where the 
brethren of the Congregational family, visiting Boston, found 
a kind of home and place of social resort.'^ 

During the time under review there had been great de- 
velopment in Sunday-school work. The meager pub- 
lications of the earlier days did not meet the demands 
for Sunday-school literature. Congregational publishing 
interests, divided between the Congregational Board of 
Publication and the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, 
made impossible a strong publishing house. Indepen- 
dent publishers, both within and without the denomina- 



34 The Sunday-School Century 

tion, found a large constituency in the Congregational 
churches. 

This situation led thoughtful men to advocate uniting the 
publishing and Sabbath-school interests. The largest and most 
stable demands for rehgious pubHcations were for Sunday- 
schools. In most other denominations the planting and 
educational improvement of Sunday-schools and the pubhsh- 
ing of Hterature had either grown up together, or if separately, 
had been united. As the first step toward union, in 1862 the 
depository of the Congregational Board of Publication was 
removed to 13 Cornhill, where the Sabbath-school depository 
had been located since 1835. The two societies, however, 
still operated under different boards. The receipts of the 
Congregational Board of Publication greatly diminished and 
in 1863 were but $416.23. Efforts were put forth for enlarging 
the constituency by increasing the membership of the board 
of directors and by the election of corporate members. In 
1867 Rev. Rufus Anderson, D.D., became president, and 
the sales for that year amounted to .$2,400. Notwithstand- 
ing this renewed effort, the operations of the Congre- 
gational Board of Publication again diminished and no 
printed reports can be found of the last seven years of its 
existence. 

The Board of Pubhcation, under different names, had done 
an important work during most of the thirty-nine years of 
its operations. The Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, 
adhering to its original name, had united the organized Con- 
gregational Sunday-school activities of the different states, 
and by natural development had become helpful to the entire 
denomination. When the two societies were organized, there 
was little that was common in aim or method. But the growth 
of the Sunday-school movement, with its demands for a large 
literary output, made clear the wisdom of union. 

It was, therefore, a matter of great significance when the 
two societies united in 1868, with the hearty approval of all 



The Consolidation ' 35 

concerned, and there was formed The Congregational Sabbath- 
School and PubHshing Society. 

The Work Strengthened by Union 

The organization formed by the union encountered very 
strong competition from independent pubHshing houses, in a 
constituency trained to individual rather than cooperative 
action. Many Congregational churches and laymen were 
still supporting other Sunday-school organizations rather 
than their own. More than one-half of the Congregational 
churches west of the Mississippi did not have Sunday-schools 
under their control, but sustained union schools, and hence 
there was lacking a loyal constituency. Notwithstanding 
these difficulties, the society made progress and improved 
the quality of its literature, and soon gave promise of that 
which has since been realized — publications unsurpassed 
in the Sunday-school world 

United Society Incorporated 

An Act of Incorporation of the new society was authorized 
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, entitled ''An Act to 
Unite the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society and the 
Congregational Board of Publication." The new organiza- 
tion was entitled, The Congregational Sabbath-School and 
Publishing Society, and was given all the rights, powers, and 
privileges which either of the corporations had, and was 
entrusted with the responsibilities of each. 

Hon. Samuel H. Walley, who had been president of the 
Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society for eighteen years, 
desired to be released, and the society placed on record an 
expression of its regard and gratitude. Hon. Charles Theo- 
dore Russell, of Cambridge, was elected the first president of 
the united society. The annual meeting was held in Tremont 
Temple, with a large and enthusiastic audience. Rev. 
Edwards A. Park, D.D., of Andover, opened the meeting 



36 The Sunday-School Century 

with prayer. Interest was given by the participation of the 
juvenile choir of Chambers Street Chapel, under the direction 
of H. W. Alexander, organist, and Loring Lothrop, superin- 
tendent of the Sunday school. 

The report states that " the Sabbath School Society, hav- 
ing flourished in its independent operations during thirty-six 
years, and having a history honorable and dear to its members, 
did not feel prepared to reUnquish its name and identity, 
or to lose the continuity of its existence in a wholly new or- 
ganization. It therefore proposed to receive as members the 
present membership of the Board of PubHcation, and to take 
the name of The Congregational Sabbath-School and Pub- 
Ushing Society. '' 

Six members were added to the board of managers, making 
nineteen, and arrangements were made for two secretaries, 
one for the Sunday-school department, and the other for 
general publications. 

At the time of merging, the Massachusetts Sabbath-School 
Society was prosperous; the business was steadily increasing, 
and amounted for the year to $137,011, an advance of $2,335 
over the preceding year. 

The Call to Become National 

The new name of the united society relieved it from provin- 
cialism, and gave it a denominational and national outlook. 
The denomination had been hindered by hesitation in planting 
Congregational churches in any great numbers west of the 
Hudson River. Sunday-school contributions of Massachu- 
setts had to a large extent gone to the building up of Presby- 
terian churches. The report of 1869 pointed out that our 
churches formed a partnership with the Presbyterians for 
home missionary work, which instead of securing the exten- 
sion of Congregational churches, had caused some two thou- 
sand formed by CongregationaHsts to be transferred into the 



The Consolidation 37 

Presbyterian denomination. In a similar way Congregational 
patronage had been freely given to other publishing houses 
while their own denominational press had not been loyally 
supported. A clear call was given for the society to become 
truly national. 

The report states: "Congregationalism can be made a 
success only by nationalizing it. Its genius as a church 
government, its difficulties, and wants, and duties, and modes 
of propagation and extension, must be regarded as a unit 
extended across the country. To meet the religious exigencies 
of the times, and fill our mission as the apostolic order of 
churches, we must so reconstruct our machinery of benevolence 
and adjust our forces, as to act as a unit. We must so na- 
tionalize ourselves as to feel at home wherever we may hold 



Fear of a National Council 

The report of 1869 continues: " We need an annual national 
gathering. We fear, and with reason, a stated National 
Council. But we could make up an Anniversary Week of our 
own five or six national societies, which would serve all the 
ends of these other Assemblies and Conventions. Indeed, it 
would serve much better, since we do all our legislating and 
trying of cases at home, and could give our effort to the higher 
Christian work of planning for home and foreign evangeliza- 
tion, and stimulating the churches up to a higher plane of 
consecration and labor. 

" We could thus constitute one great annual week of Con- 
gregationahsm. It would bring face to face, once a year, the 
leading piety and talent and wealth and zeal of our order." 

The Compositeness of the New Society 

The Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society 
was the result of a large number of movements which found 



38 The Sunday-School Century 

expression in different organizations. The first of these, in 
point of time, was the Society for the Promotion of Christian 
Knowledge, organized in 1805. It rendered a useful service 
in pubHshing and circulating literature. In the year 1870 
it disbanded, donating S5,000 of accumulated funds to the 
Sunday-School Society, the income to be used for the circu- 
lation of books. This fund has been kept sacred, and its 
income used in the way specified* 

The Boston Society for the Moral and Religious Instruction 
of the Poor, established in 1816, embraced several depart- 
ments of service, and finally became the Boston City Mission- 
ary Society, which has had an honored history and still renders 
a great and noble service under the direction of Rev. D. W. 
Waldron, who has been its secretary for forty-six years. In 
its early history, an important part of its work was organizing 
and stimulating Sunday-schools, until this department, by 
different steps, became a part of the Massachusetts Sabbath- 
School Society, which was the principal factor in The 
Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society. A 
very important tributary was the Congregational Board of 
Pubhcation, an evolution from the Doctrinal Tract and Book 
Society. To this the EvangeUcal Society of Pubhcation, in 
1850, transferred its good will and the few hundred dollars in 
its treasury. Other publishing interests of a similar character, 
established in several states, disbanded at different periods, 
and the Congregational constituency connected with them 
looked to the Congregational Board of Pubhcation for a 
continuation of the service which they had rendered. 

The union of the Sunday-school and the Publishing Socie- 
ties was by a natural process of evolution. The principal 
work of at least half a dozen different societies were thus 
advantageously united. 



Chapter V 
YEARS OF EXPERIMENT 

For six years before the formal union, the Massachusetts 
Sabbath-School Society and the Congregational Board of 
Publication had occupied the same depository and employed 
the same business manager. After the union, an effort was 
made for a time to keep the departments separate, and two 
secretaries were employed. Rev. Asa Bullard devoted his 
time largely to planting, encouraging and improving schools, 
also editing The Wellspring and other Sunday-school pubhca- 
tions. Rev. William Barrows devoted his efforts to the 
publication and circulation of general and theological litera- 
ture. 

After four years Dr. Barrows resigned to accept the secre- 
taryship of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, and 
Rev. Asa Bullard continued as the general secretary. Larger 
responsibility was placed upon the business manager and com- 
mittees in the publication of literature. 

Many difficulties had to be overcome, as the denomination 
had not yet reached a full consciousness of the necessity of 
sustaining its own organizations. At this time the leading 
denominations were assuming responsibility for their own 
Sunday-school work, and strengthening their publishing 
houses. 

The society was receiving about $12,000 per year for grants 
of literature to needy schools and for strengthening the 
Sunday-school work by correspondence and visitation. The 
events which followed indicate that this would have been 
an opportune time for the Society to have entered fully into 
its field work. 

At this critical period Rev. Asa Bullard, who had served 



40 The Sunday-School Century 

the Society with signal devotion for forty years, was made 
honorary secretary, in 1874, and Rev. John 0. Means, D.D., 
of Roxbury, was called to the secretaryship. Dr. Means 
was given Httle opportunity for executive work, but by his 
excellent literary ability, did much to improve the quality of 
the Sunday-school output. 

Shortening the Name of the Society 

In response to a request for shortening the name, it was 
changed in 1870 to the Congregational Publishing Society. 
The Board of Directors expressed regret at parting with the 
familiar designation, but gave assurance that the Sunday- 
school work would be continued in full force, and that the 
name was changed simply in the interest of brevity. 

Transfer to the Home Missionary Society 

In accordance with the recommendation of the National 
Council of 1874, the missionary work of the Sunday-School 
Society was transferred to the American Home Missionary 
Society, not, however, without serious protest on the part of 
many who were connected with both societies. When the 
transfer was made, the income diminished, and the special 
Sunday-school work practically ceased. 

In 1880 Dr. Means resigned to accept a secretaryship of the 
American Board, and Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D., was elected 
secretary for the board of directors. 

The transfer of the missionary work of the Society had been 
made but a short time before agitation was begun for its 
restoration. 

The Conferences at Chautauqua 

A significant movement was started at the Lake Chautauqua 
Assembly, in New York, which was a center of Sunday-school 
activity. At a meeting held August 7, 1878, of which Rev. 



Years of Experiment 41 

Frank Russell, D.D., was chairman, and Rev. C. C. Creegan, 
D.D., clerk, the following resolution was adopted: 

"Resolved: That as informal representatives of Congregational 
Churches in several states, we hereby express our sense of the imperative 
necessity of associated action in our general Sunday-school work. 

" We therefore recommend that local and State Associations of our 
churches organize institutes and conventions for securing more efficient 
cooperation. We also recommend the calling at an early date of a de- 
nominational Sunday School Convention to secure more perfect system 
and greater efficiency in our Congregational Sunday schools." 

The following were appointed as a committee to devise 
appropriate methods for carrying out the resolution: Rev. 
Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio; Rev. G. W. Bainum, Bunker 
Hill, lUinois; Rev. J. D. Stewart, Little Valley, New York; 
Rev. John L. Maile, Portland, Michigan, and W. A. Duncan, 
Syracuse, New York. 

At a larger meeting, among other actions taken, it was 
" Resolved: That the committee urge the appointment of a 
National Secretary. '' 

A resolution on the same subject was presented by President 
J. H. Fairchild, of Oberlin, at the Lake Side, Ohio, Sunday 
School Assembly, and unanimously adopted by sixty repre- 
sentative Congregational Sunday-school workers present 
from three states. 

A second Chautauqua gathering of Congregationalists was 
held August 13, 1879. On motion of Dr. Lyman Abbott, of 
New York, Mr. Joseph Cook, of Boston, was elected chair- 
man, and Mr. C. M. Nichols, of Springfield, Ohio, secretary. 
It was stated by Mr. Cook that the chief object of the meeting 
was to take steps to secure the appointment of a general 
secretary for Sunday-school work. 

The following recommendations were adopted: 

" Whereas, This movement has received the hearty support of the 
Ohio State Conference, the Michigan State Association, and other state 
bodies and many local Conferences and Associations, also of our church 



42 The Sunday-School Century 

papers, The Congregationalist and The Advance, also of many leading 
clergymen and prominent Sunday-school workers all over the land, 

*' Therefoee, Resolved, That we reaffirm the resolution passed by 
the Congregationalists at Chautauqua last year, 1878, also the one pre- 
sented by President FairchUd at the Lakeside Assembly, July 29, 1879." 

It was resolved to hold a Sunday-School Conference at 
Chautauqua the following year. Rev. 0. F. Presbrey, Rev. 
J. L. Maile, Mr. W. A. Duncan, Mr. C. W. Nichols, and Rev. 
J. D. Stewart were appointed a committee to arrange a pro- 
gram for the meeting. The proposed conference met with 
hearty response. Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., of Brooklyn, 
wrote: " I shall be very glad to meet and address the proposed 
Congregational Sunday-School Congress, 1880." Mr. Joseph 
Cook promised to render all possible cooperation. Rev. 
C. L. Goodell, D.D., of St. Louis, responded: " I am greatly 
pleased with the idea of a forward march in Sunday-school 
work in our denomination. I am thankful for the proposed 
Congress next summer, and for the hope of a General Secre- 
tary. I go for them heartily.'' 

The congress was held in Chautauqua, and was in every 
respect a gratifying success. Among the speakers were Mr. 
Joseph Cook, of Boston; Rev. William Potter, D.D., of 
Washington, D. C; Rev. A. F. Beard, D.D., of Syracuse; 
Rev. C. L. Goodell, D.D., of St. Louis; and Rev. R. C. 
Hutchins, D.D., of Columbus. A great impetus was given 
to the work, which resulted in the election of Rev. A. E. 
Dunning, D.D., as Sunday-School Secretary, the reorganiza- 
tion of the society, and the renewing of field work by the 
appointment of superintendents and missionaries. 

A Review of Transfek by De. Capen 

This period in the history of the society was reviewed in an 
address by Dr. Samuel B. Capen, at Hartford, May 25, 1899. 
In it he states : 

" In 1874 the National Council recommended that the 




Secretaries 



Rev. albert E. DUNNING, D.D. 



Rev. GEORGE M. BOYNTON, D.D. 



Rev. FRANK M. SHELDON 



Rev. FRANK K. SANDERS, D.D. 



Rev. WILLIAM EWING, D.D. 



Years of Experiment 43 

missionary Sunday-school work be transferred to the Home 
Missionary Society, which was done in 1876. This transfer 
was made against the judgment of many of the officers of both 
Societies, and was a most disastrous act of denominational 
infanticide. It nearly destroyed the Sunday-school mission- 
ary work, and if it had been allowed to stand, would have 
severely crippled the denomination. 

'' The receipts for Sunday-school work to the Home Mis- 
sionary Society were very small, and those of the Publishing 
Society fell from $12,224 in 1873 to $1,464 in 1879. Shorn 
of what little missionary work it had done, the Society had 
small hold upon the denomination, and that little was almost 
wholly in New England." 

Dr. Capen calls attention to these additional facts : 

'' The increase in church membership fell from 6,886 in 
1879 to 1,792 in 1880, and to only 1,353 in 1881, and the reason 
was apparent. From 1878 to 1882, the total gain in Sunday- 
school membership was 18,837, or an average of only 4,709 
per year. At this time it was stated that more than one-half 
of the Congregational churches west of the Mississippi River 
had no Sunday schools under their control. As the growth 
of the churches comes so largely from the young, it is no 
wonder that our church growth was at such a low ebb. We 
would not have had a denomination much longer if we had 
continued that policy. But in 1882 the reorganization of our 
missionary Sunday-school work was begun, and the gain was 
most remarkable. In the next four years, 1883 to 1887, the 
total gain in our Sunday-schools was 67,504, or an average of 
nearly 17,000 per year, or a gain of 350 per cent, over the 
previous four years. 

" In the judgment of some of our wisest men, this appoint- 
ment of a Sunday-school secretary, with the remodeHng of the 
Society to do active pioneer Sunday-school work, was the 
turning-point in the life of the denomination during the latter 
part of the century." 



44 The Sunday-School Century 

The denomination suffered by this transfer and inactivity 
in its Sunday-school work at a period of great growth and 
development in the country. In addition to other losses, 
grants of literature to the schools of the American Missionary 
Association and the American Board almost entirely ceased, 
and very little aid was given to the needy schools under the 
care of the Home Missionary Society. 

Retransfer to the Sunday-School Society 

Although agitation began for readjustment soon after the 
transfer had been made, this was not fully accomplished 
until six years of unrest and loss had been suffered. In May, 
1882, the missionary work was by mutual agreement restored, 
and the next year the National Council passed the following 
resolution in relation to the Sunday-School Society: 

" Resolved: That this Society has a field peculiarly its own and is the 
legitimate channel for our national Sunday-school work, and that we are 
decided in our opinion that contributions for Sunday-school work should be 
forwarded to its missionary treasury." 

Memorials were sent to the Board by state, territorial and 
local Congregational associations asking for the appointment 
of superintendents in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Wash- 
ington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Mexico, Minne- 
sota, South Dakota, North Dakota, New York, Pennsylvania, 
and many other parts of the country. 

Among those who were the most appreciative of the restora- 
tion and the appointment of field workers were the superin- 
tendents of the Home Missionary Society. In 1889, eleven 
days before the death of Rev. George H. Atkinson, D.D., 
superintendent of the Home Missionary Society for Oregon 
and Washington, he wrote to the Sunday-School Society: 
" We rejoice in the growth of your Sunday-school work in the 
new states and territories of the West. It is in many respects 



Years of Experiment 45 

the pioneer of the Home Missionary church, and the nucleus 
of its organization, and the center of its effective work in 
new settlements of heterogeneous population. Had you be- 
gun ten or twenty years sooner, we would have had many 
more churches in Oregon. We did what we could with your 
choice Sunday-school helps, but there was needed long ago 
one or more agents to find the places, plant the Sunday 
schools, and watch over and help them in active and steady 
operation. Division of Home Missionary labors adds much 
to their power for good.'' 

Similar testimonials were received from other superin- 
tendents covering nearly the entire central and western states 
and territories. 



Chapter VI 
REORGANIZATION AND ADVANCE 

General Secretaries 

The assurance that the missionary, as weU as the educa- 
tional work, would be taken up by the Sunday-School Society 
raised up friends and gave a quickened impulse. 

A. E. Dunning, D.D. 

In January, 1881, Rev. A. E. Dunning entered the service 
of the Society as Sunday-School Secretary, stimulating 
churches by correspondence and by addresses at state asso- 
ciations and other gatherings. By mutual agreement the 
Home Missionary Society committed to the Sunday-School 
Society special responsibihty in regard to the missionary 
Sunday-school work, and this was assumed in May, 1882. 
This action on the part of the two Societies was ratified by 
the National Council at its meeting in 1883. The name of the 
Society, which had been changed for the sake of brevity to 
The Congregational PubUshing Society, was again changed by 
act of legislature, February 21, 1883, to The Congregational 
Sunday-School and Pubhshing Society, that it might be 
expressive of the work in which it was engaged. It is un- 
ofl&cially stated that a reward was offered to any one who 
would give a shorter, satisfactory name, but the reward was 
not claimed. 

The employment of field workers greatly increased the 
demands for Sunday-school hterature, and its quaHty was im- 
proved. The business department quickly felt the impulse of 
the reunited society in the enlarged patronage of the churches 

46 




Early Superintendents 

Rev. JOHN L. MAILE Rev. JEREMIAH D. STEWART 

Rev. HARLAN P. CASE 
Rev. JEREMIAH E. PLATT Rev. JOHN R. REITZEL 



Reorganization and Advance 47 

and Sunday-schools. The capital, however, was insufficient, 
and between 1883 and 1886, under the leadership of Secretary 
Dunning and President Capen, about $20,000 was contributed 
for putting the business on a better financial basis. 

In 1883 Mr. M. C. Hazard was secured as western secretary, 
with headquarters at Chicago. Here Dr. Hazard rendered 
valuable service, devoting part of his time to editorial work, 
and after two years became editor with headquarters at Bos- 
ton. In 1884 Dr. Blake resigned as secretary of the board, 
and Dr. Dunning was made general secretary. In 1886 a 
branch house was permanently established in Chicago, and 
the agency, which had been under the care of Rev. E. J. 
Alden, was transferred to the business management of Mr. 
J. H. Tewksbury. In the same year W. A. Duncan, Ph.D., 
who had served as superintendent for New York and Pennsyl- 
vania since 1884, was made field secretary, in which capacity 
he served for twenty years. He was instrumental in securing 
increased gifts from churches and individuals, and extended 
widely the influence of the Home Department, of which he 
was the founder and foremost promoter. 

During this period of great activity, the Pilgrim Teacher 
was established in 1885, and soon took its place in the front 
rank of Sunday-school magazines; other publications of the 
society were improved. The society in every department 
was greatly strengthened by the strong leadership of Dr. 
Dunning, and the entire denomination felt new life and hope 
through greatly enlarged Sunday-school and church member- 
ship. 

The first year after the reorganization the income increased 
from $1,200 to $6,057, and in the next six years reached 
$45,463. 

In 1888 Dr. Dunning resigned to accept the editorship of 
The Congregoiionalist. The seven years of his official service 
made a lasting impression upon the Society and the de- 
nomination. 



48 The Sunday-School Century 

Rev. Asa Bullakd 

The honorary secretary, Rev. Asa Bullard, continued his 
activity during the larger part of the administration of Dr. 
Dunning. Few men have been given the privilege of so long 
and useful a service in any department of Christian activity. 
His connection with the Society dated from 1834 until his 
death, April 5, 1888: for forty years as Secretary, and fourteen 
years as Honorary Secretary. He was always enthusiastic 
and untiring, visiting the schools and churches in New Eng- 
land, and occasionally making long journeys into the interior 
of the country, which was then considered the far West. 

Mr. Bullard performed the duties of corresponding and 
recording secretary, kept the records of the board of managers 
and of its various committees, prepared the annual reports, and 
had large responsibihty in regard to the pubHcations. In 
addition to the regular editorial duties, he prepared many 
books especially for Httle people. But the work in which he 
had the greatest joy was in visiting Sunday-schools and 
churches, large and small, stimulating the earnest study of the 
Bible, cultivating the benevolence of the Sunday-schools, 
strongly advocating total abstinence, and carrying every- 
where a benign countenance and winsome personaHty. Many 
who are still Hving remember this tall, dignified. Christian 
gentleman, who, when they were children, was wont to place 
his hand lovingly upon their heads with kindly benediction. 
The period of honorary secretaryship rounded out a Ufe of 
singular usefulness. 

George M. Boynton, D.D. 

The magnetic leadership of Dr. Dunning enabled the so- 
ciety to take its place with similar organizations of other 
denominations. So largely had the work grown that in 1888 
Rev. George M. Boynton, who had served for seven years on 
the directorate, was elected Associate Secretary, and on the 



Reorganization and Advance 49 

resignation of Dr. Dunning, became General Secretary. The 
society had grown rapidly and furnished a great opportunity 
for the wise, methodical leadership for which Dr. Boynton 
was especially quaUfied. The different departments which 
were developing needed to be clearly defined and closely 
organized. In the first five years of Dr. Boynton's adminis- 
tration the income increased from $45,463 to $65,699, and ten 
years later to $73,484. 

The bequests which during the period of transfer and for 
some time afterwards were negligible, now became an im- 
portant addition to the income. As a wise business pohcy 
the equalizing legacy fund was established, which gave 
stability to the work by providing against sudden fluctuations 
in receipts. 

When Dr. Boynton entered the service, superintendents 
were at work in Nebraska, Kansas, Southern California, 
Colorado, Michigan, Washington, South Dakota, Iowa, 
Illinois, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Ohio, and Indiana. Dur- 
ing his administration the work was enlarged to include the 
entire western, interior, and southern states; and also valua- 
ble service was rendered in New England and other eastern 
states. 

The superintendents were selected in consultation and on 
recommendation by state representatives. They carried on 
the work in closest connection with ministers, churches, local 
and state associations, and representatives of the Home Mis- 
sionary Society. The duties of the workers were defined to 
be: 

1. "To improve the conditions of existing Sunday-schools 
and to bring them into closer relations with the churches. 

2. " To plant Sunday-schools in places where there is 
promise of the organization of Congregational churches. 

3. "To plant mission schools in neighborhoods where they 
can be cared for by Congregational churches. 

4. "To reorganize Sunday-schools in places where they have 



50 The Sunday-School Century 

been abandoned by churches, and where churches themselves 
have died out." 

Many of the states asked not only for superintendents but 
for missionaries to cultivate districts, and strengthen the 
work until it could be turned over to the care of the Home 
Missionary Society or became self-supporting. 

The rapid growth of both missionary operations and 
pubhshing interests demanded vigorous but cautious business 
management. This rare combination Dr. Boynton furnished 
during the fifteen years in which he was General Secretary, 
and continued for two years as Missionary Secretary, until 
he resigned in 1907 on account of faihng health. 

Dr. Boynton had unusual discrimination in the selection 
of workers, was devoted to them, and had the loyal support 
and affection of his associates. He rendered for the churches 
of the entire fellowship a great and lasting service, which will 
tell in the lives of a vast multitude of children and young 
people, and also adults, who were furnished with the advan- 
tages of rehgious training by means of the organization which 
he so wisely directed. 

Frank K. Sanders, D.D. 

The selection, in 1905, of Rev. Frank K. Sanders, D.D., 
dean of Yale Divinity School, as general secretary, was in 
accordance with the demands made for Sunday-school educa- 
tional improvement. Dr. Sanders had won a wide reputation 
as a Bible teacher, Sunday-school writer, and leader in move- 
ments for religious education. 

The National Council and other Congregational organiza- 
tions gave hearty endorsement to the efforts of the Society 
for improving its literature and the quahty of Sunday-school 
instruction. The plan of having district educational secre- 
taries to cooperate with the field workers was begun, and the 
formation of a distinct educational department was outhned. 



Reorganization and Advance 51 

During the three years of Dr. Sanders' servic'e the number of 
workers was increased, and the income of the society enlarged. 
In 1908 he resigned to accept the presidency of Washburn 
College. 

William Ewing, D.D. 

On the retirement of Dr. Boynton, Rev. William Ewing, 
who had been superintendent for the Society in North Dakota 
and Michigan, was called to the missionary secretaryship. 
Dr. Ewing brought to the service a wide experience and inti- 
mate knowledge of the fields, the work, and the workers. 
New educational demands, and especially the introduction 
of graded courses of instruction, called for educational leader- 
ship. The number of field educational secretaries was 
enlarged, and Sunday-school institutes and conferences, which 
had always been an important part of the service of the field 
workers, increased in number and scope. 

To describe more fully the work of the Missionary Depart- 
ment, the term '^ Extension " was added in 1910, and the 
field missionary, extension, and educational work was con- 
ducted under the designation, the Missionary and Extension 
Department. 

In addition to the enlarged emphasis placed upon the im- 
provement of schools, the calls continued for pioneer mission- 
ary work in the new states of the West. Changes in popula- 
tion and the incoming of foreign peoples in the interior states 
and the East demanded and received increased effort, and the 
rapid growth of cities called for the organization of Sunday- 
schools, by which Christian forces were united and foundations 
laid for strong churches. The co-operation of the workers 
of different denominations made possible in certain sections 
effective combinations, which led to fewer schools, though 
larger in membership and more efficient. There had been a 
serious decline in membership of Congregational Sunday- 
schools, as in those of other denominations. Many of the 



52 The Sunday-School Century 

field workers secured the co-operation of their state organiza- 
tions in vigorous campaigns for the improvement of schools 
and for increasing their membership. For the decade, closing 
1916, the average number of new schools organized was 284. 
During the same period the Sunday-school membership in- 
creased from 678,620 to 773,028. 



Chapter VII 

DEPARTMENTAL DIVISIONS 

Missionary and Extension 

The efforts of the society from the beginning were for the 
promotion of rehgious education through Sunday-schools 
already established or by organizing others in places where 
they were needed. The work of the society during the first 
half century of its history is included in the missionary, 
extension, and educational activities. The publication of 
Uterature and the establishing of agencies centered around the 
propagation and improvement of Sunday-schools. The larger 
demands made by the denomination for publications, and in- 
creased business in the various book agencies, led to the 
establishing of large and well-equipped bookstores in Boston 
and Chicago, the development of agencies in other centers 
throughout the country, and the purchasing of The Congrega- 
tionalist and later The Advance. The high ideal, however, 
was ever kept, that the entire business of the Society was not 
commercial, but educational and missionary. 

The Business Department 

When the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society was 
organized, a depository was at once established at 25 Cornhill, 
Boston, and after three years removed to 13 Cornhill, where it 
remained until 1873. The depository of the Congregational 
Board of Publication transferred its business to the same 
place in 1862 and the two depositories were brought under 
the direction of one agent, but their accounts were kept 
separate for six years until the two societies united. In 1873 
the united society took up its abode in the newly acquired 

53 



64 The Sunday-School Century 

Congregational House, secured by the American Congrega- 
tional Association as Congregational Headquarters, at the 
corner of Beacon and Somerset Streets, Boston, where a 
convenient and attractive bookstore was estabhshed. This 
proved to be a very great advantage to the Sunday-School 
Society, as to other Congregational agencies. With the 
growth of the denomination larger accommodations were 
needed, and a new Congregational House was erected at 14 
Beacon Street, where the Society removed in 1897. The 
pleasant and convenient quarters proved an important factor 
in the enlarging and strengthening of the operations of the 
Society in every department. 

In the early days of Sunday-school effort the Hterary ma- 
terial was Hmited and was prepared and circulated almost 
wholly as a benevolence. Little attention was given to 
conducting the enterprise so that it would be financially 
profitable. The Sahhath School Visiter, issued monthly, 
was at first the only periodical, but soon a larger Hterary 
output was found necessary and a variety of question books 
and other material was gradually added. 

The first agent, Mr. C. C. Dean, who had occupied a similar 
position with the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union, was 
elected in 1832 and served until his death in 1854. In these 
days of small beginnings foundations of vast importance were 
laid, and the agent had large opportunities, in co-operation 
with the secretary, for securing fitting literature and seeing 
that it was helpfully distributed by sale, when possible, and 
by gifts to needy schools. After the merging of the Con- 
gregational Board of Publication with the Massachusetts 
Sabbath-School Society in 1868 a new impetus was given to 
the business department. 

On the death of Mr. Dean, Mr. Moses H. Sargent was 
elected agent and treasurer, and held both offices until 1877. 

On the retirement of Mr. Sargent, Mr. George P. Smith 
was chosen agent, having special charge of the bookstore at 



Departmental Divisions 55 

Boston, and held the position until his death in 1896, faith- 
fully serving the society for fifty years. On account of the 
growth of the business. Rev. M. M. Cutter was associated 
with Mr. Smith in 1885 and 1886. 

In 1886 Mr. W. F. Whittemore was elected business man- 
ager, serving successfully for ten years, during which time the 
business grew from $134,700 to $250,000. 

The Chicago Agency 

As the result of different efforts in the West, an agency was 
established in Chicago in 1873, under the charge of Mr. 
John Fairbanks. On account of the strong competition of 
independent publishers and the want of denominational 
loyalty, together with the business depression of the time, the 
undertaking met with many difficulties, and was continued 
but a brief period. The society then made use of agencies in 
different parts of the country for circulating its hterature. 
Among these was the business of Rev. E. J. Alden of Chicago, 
estabhshed in 1881; and in 1886 Mr. Alden became the 
Chicago agent. 

With the rapid development of the society, the Chicago 
agency required the services of a man of business experience, 
and Mr. J. H. Tewksbury was made the Chicago business 
manager. He continued in this position until the death of 
Mr. Smith in 1896, when he was given general oversight of 
other agencies, and in 1889 was made business manager. 
During his administration the publications of the society 
were kept abreast of the time, and the imprint, " Pilgrim 
Press, '^ was adopted, which helped to increase their circula- 
tion among other denominations. 

On the resignation of Mr. Tewksbury, Mr. L. H. Cary was 
called as business manager. Mr. Cary had the benefit of 
experience with the society in Chicago as a young man, and 
had built up a successful business in San Francisco as the 



56 The Sunday-School Century 

representative of the Presbyterian and Congregational 
Sunday-School Societies. During the period of Mr. Gary's 
service the literature of The Pilgrim Press maintained its high 
standard and the business of the society rapidly increased. 
Through the generous provision made by Mr. J. J. Arakelyan 
an extensive printing plant was donated to the society, which 
greatly increased the number of its publications. These in 
larger measure than ever before met the needs of the denomina- 
tion, and also secured a recognized place in the markets of 
the country. 

The Editokial Department 

The beginning of the modern Sunday-school movement 
marked an epoch in the publishing of religious literature, 
which at this time was largely doctrinal and controversial. 
The broad, fraternal spirit of the entire Sunday-school work 
eliminated to a great extent controversial Uterature. The 
call for Sunday-school material was at first met in a measure 
by such organizations as the Society for the Promotion of 
Christian Knowledge, tract societies, and independent pub- 
lishing houses. The American Sunday-School Union soon 
found it necessary to publish. 

When the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society was 
organized, it published the first year twenty-one new Sabbath- 
school books, and the Sahhath School Visiter, which began with 
a circulation of five thousand. 

The election of Rev. Asa Bullard brought into the Congre- 
gational editorship one of the most voluminous Sunday-school 
writers of his time. Under his leadership the Sahhath School 
Visiter was continued, with increasing usefulness, until 1844, 
when it became The Congregational Visiter, In the same year 
The Wellspring was estabUshed with Mr. Bullard as editor, 
and in five months had a circulation of eighteen thousand. 
It became at once a marked feature in the publications of the 




Editors 
MARSHALL C. HAZARD, Ph.D. Rev. HOWARD A. BRIDGMAN, D.D. 

Rev. benjamin S. WINCHESTER., D.D. SIDNEY A. WESTON, Ph.D. 



Departmental Divisions 57 

society, and has continued to be a leading Sunday-school 
paper, with ever-widening circulation and influence. The 
Congregational Visiter answered a useful purpose in stimulat- 
ing the best Sunday-school methods of that period, and laid 
the foundations for The Pilgrim Teacher, quarterlies, and other 
pubUcations which have been circulated by hundreds of 
thousands. 

A large editorial work was done by prominent ministers. 
Rev. John A. Albro, D.D., of Cambridge, was the author of 
several of the society's valuable library books and a large 
number of popular question books. He edited the BibHcal 
and Theological Dictionary issued by the Society, a hymn 
book entitled Vestry Songs, and translated several books from 
the French. 

An historical sketch states: " During the first seven years 
the Society pubHshed 352 works, of which 203 were for libra- 
ries, 17 were question books, and 3 were singing-books. At 
the date of its union with the Congregational Board of PubHca- 
tion, it had issued 750 publications of different classes, of 
which 700 were bound volumes suitable for Sunday-school 
Hbraries. They were by our best writers; and no simpler 
and clearer statement, or in purer style, of the essential 
doctrines and duties of the gospel can be found. '^ 

An examination of these books kept in the Congregational 
Library, Boston, proves that this estimate in regard to many 
of them is well founded. 

Organizing the Department 

During the first years of the Doctrinal Tract and Book 
Society its Hterary material was selected by committees, and 
either purchased or reprinted; hence, the editorial position 
did not for some time occupy a prominent place. The first 
secretary, Rev. Jonas Perkins, and his successor, Rev. Sewall 
Harding, were given editorial responsibility, shared by lead- 



58 The Sunday-School Century 

ing ministers of the denomination, and in this way a large 
service was rendered of which no adequate record can be 
made. 

With the merging of the Congregational Board of Pubhca- 
tion and the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, a divi- 
sion was made between Sunday-school pubHcations, and those 
that were theological and general, each having its own com- 
mittee of examination and selection. Under the direction of 
these committees, Hterature for Sunday-schools was secured 
from such writers as Rev. R. R. Meredith, D.D., Rev. Charles 
B. Rice, D.D., and other prominent ministers. 

With the election of Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., in 1881, 
a new impetus was given to the issuing of Sunday-school 
literature. Rev. Mortimer Blake, who was secretary of the 
board, had oversight in regard to general publications until 
1883, when Dr. Dunning was made general secretary, which 
included editorial responsibility. 

Doctor Hazaed 

The development of the pubHcations of the Society called 
for the organization of a distinct editorial department. The 
Society was fortunate in securing in 1884, as its first editor. 
Dr. M. C. Hazard, who had gained wide experience as editor 
of the National Sunday-School Teacher, and in a leading edi- 
torial position on the Sunday-School Times. As western 
secretary he had been brought into close connection with the 
Sunday-school needs and opportunities of the Congregational 
churches. His own hterary output was large, and he secured 
the services of an able company of writers for the different 
departments and grades of the Sunday-school. 

Mrs. Julia H. Boynton became editor of The Wellspring 
in 1884, and for ten years kept it at its high standard. Mrs. 
Boynton was succeeded by WilHs Boyd Allen, a noted writer 
of literature for young people. After this it was put in the 



Departmental Divisions 59 

regular editorial department under the care of Dr. Hazard 
and his successors. 

Provision was made for the younger people by such writers 
as Mrs. William Barrows and Mrs. W. F. Crafts, who edited 
the Little Pilgrim, a variety of Question Books, Notes, and 
Teachers' Quarterhes. In 1885 the Monday Club Sermons 
were issued, giving a discourse by prominent ministers on 
each of the International Lessons for the fifty-two Sundays 
of the year. These were widely circulated, and have been 
issued each year since that time. 

The Sunday-school literature was extended in circulation, 
and Sunday-school libraries were greatly improved, and as- 
sumed more importance in the operations of the society. A 
Normal Course was issued in connection with the International 
Sunday-School Association, in which " Bible Studies," by 
Dr. Dunning, were widely used. 

In 1889 Rev. John L. Kilbon became editor's assistant, and 
afterwards managing editor, when this office was created. 
During thirteen years Mr. Kilbon did scholarly work of much 
value to the Society. In 1902 he was succeeded by Mr. 
Charles A. Brand, whose facile pen and artistic ability added 
many attractive features to the Hterary output. The Pilgrim 
Teacher, which from its beginning ranked high among similar 
pubhcations, was enlarged, made more attractive, and its 
influence greatly increased. 

A Pilgrim Series of practical educational leaflets was issued, 
including Decision Day and How to Use It, Little Parishes 
of Eight, and Joining the Church. These and others of similar 
character did much for the improvement and enlargement of 
the Sunday schools. 

In carrying out the plans for educational improvement, 
the editorial force was still further strengthened by the addi- 
tion of Sidney A. Weston, Ph.D., instructor in BibHcal Htera- 
ture at Yale University. On the retirement of Mr. Brand in 
1909, Dr. Weston was made managing editor. 



60 The Sunday-School Century 

During the leadership of Dr. Hazard the editorial depart- 
ment was put in position to provide helps demanded for all de- 
partments of the Sunday-school, and they were of such quaUty 
that they were generally used by the denomination. Much 
was done for the improvement of the music of the schools 
and churches by issuing Sunday-school and church hymnals 
of high grade. Special occasions such as Easter, Children's 
Day, Rally Day, and Christmas were provided with exercises 
of excellent quaUty. A series of graded literature was issued, 
and steps were taken for a completely graded curriculum. 
This did much to prepare the way for the adoption of graded 
courses by the leading denominations and the International 
Association. 

Dr. Winchester 

When Dr. Hazard retired in 1910, and became editor 
emeritus. Rev. Benjamin S. Winchester, D.D., was called to 
the editorship. The demands made by the National Council, 
state conferences, and individual churches for a larger educa- 
tional emphasis were borne in mind and Dr. Winchester was 
called as editor and educational secretary. The issuing of 
the graded series of Sunday-school lessons was carried through 
and met with general acceptance. A more elaborate series 
than had hitherto been provided for teacher training was 
issued. The Pilgrim Hymnal for churches was revised, and 
Worship and Song, which marked an advance in Sunday-school 
hymnology, was pubhshed. The Pilgrim Standard and many 
educational leaflets were widely circulated. 

Dr. Winchester cooperated with the field force of the Mis- 
sionary and Extension Department for the improvement of 
the entire Sunday-school work. Cooperation between the 
Sunday-school societies of different denominations was 
strengthened by such organizations as the Religious Educa- 
tion Association, the Sunday School Council of Evangelical 
Denominations of the United States and Canada, and the 



Departmental Divisions 61 

International Sunday School Association. In all of these 
movements Dr. Winchester had an important part. 

In 1915 Dr. Winchester resigned to accept a professorship 
in the Department of Religious Education in the Yale School 
of Religion. On the retirement of Dr. Winchester, Sidney 
A. Weston, Ph.D., became the editor of religious publications. 
The services of Dr. Weston as a practical Sunday-school 
worker and teacher have done much for the improvement of 
the literature from the standpoint of religious education. 

The Congregationalist 

The oldest religious newspaper in the country was The 
Boston Recorder, established in January, 1816, by Dea. Na- 
thaniel Willis, with Mr. Sydney E. Morse as its first editor. 
In 1817 Rev. Richard S. Storrs of Braintree took the place of 
Mr. Morse, and was succeeded in 1825 by Mr. Gerard Hallock, 
who was proprietor of The Telegraph, a publication estabhshed 
a year previously, which he merged with The Recorder. In 
1849 The New England Puritan, which had been established 
in 1840, by Rev. Parsons Cooke, united with The Recorder, 
under the new title. The Puritan Recorder. In 1841 the 
Hartford Congregationalist was purchased and absorbed by 
The Puritan Recorder. In 1858 the paper took its original 
name. The Boston Recorder, which it retained until it merged 
with The Congregationalist. 

The Congregationalist was established in 1849, and absorbed 
the Boston Reporter, its first proprietors were Dea. Galen 
James and Dea. Edward W. Fay. Its first editors. Rev. 
Edward Beecher, D.D., Rev. Joseph Haven, Jr., and Rev. 
I. N. Tarbox; with Rev. E. D. Moore ofiice editor. 

In 1850 Mr. Haven was succeeded by Rev. Richard S. 
. Storrs, Jr., and in 1851, Rev. H. M. Dexter took the place of 
Mr. Tarbox, who became secretary of the American Educa- 
tion Society. In 1851 the Christian Times was merged with 



62 The Sunday-School Century 

The Congregationalist. In 1853 Dr. Beecher retired, and Rev. 
A. L. Stone succeeded him. Dr. Dexter served as associate 
editor until 1866, when he retired for one year, and then re- 
sumed his connection on the editorial staff and became one of 
the proprietors. 

In 1856 Messrs. C. A. Richardson and W. L. Greene were 
admitted as junior partners. Mr. Richardson became man- 
aging editor, and Dr. Dexter editor-in-chief. A large num- 
ber of pastors and others were relied upon for editorial, 
as well as for general articles. This arrangement continued 
for ten years. 

In 1867 The Boston Recorder and The Congregationalist 
were consohdated, bearing the name The Congregationalist 
and Boston Recorder, under the proprietorship of Messrs. 
W. L. Greene & Company. At different times there were 
merged with The Congregationalist, The Maine Evangelist, 
New Hampshire Congregational Journal, Christian Reporter, 
Western Independent, Christian Mirror, and several other 
pubhcations. 

The Congregationalist had many points of contact with 
The Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society. 
For a number of years Mr. W. F. Whittemore, pubhsher of 
The Congregationalist, was also business manager of the 
Sunday-School Society. In 1889 Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., 
secretary of The Congregational Sunday-School and Pubhsh- 
ing Society, was selected as editor of The Congregationalist, in 
succession to Dr. Dexter. Both institutions were intimately 
associated in a business way with the Thomas Todd printing 
estabhshment. 

At the beginning of the twentieth century a denominational 
consciousness called for a closer relationship between aU the 
Congregational agencies. In accordance with this, a move- 
ment was initiated by a number of prominent laymen and 
ministers for the purchase and conduct of The Congregational- 
ist by one of the societies of the denomination. By common 



Departmental Divisions 63 

consent it was agreed that this should be the Sunday-School 
and Publishing Society. This action was recommended by 
such representative laymen as Samuel B. Capen, LL.D., 
Charles A. Hopkins, Herbert A. Wilder, Henry H. Proctor, 
George E. Keith, Frankhn P. Shumway, Arthur H. Wellman 
and others. 

By this connection the oldest religious newspaper in 
America, pubhshed at the birthplace and home of the de- 
nomination in this country, was given a secure denominational 
standing. 

Its editor for eleven years, Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., was 
immediately chosen his own successor, and continued his 
brilhant and sagacious editorial career. Rev. Howard A. 
Bridgman, D.D., who joined the editorial staff in 1887 be- 
came managing editor in 1889. Mr. J. H. Tewksbury, busi- 
ness manager of the Sunday-School Society, became the 
pubhsher. The new staff consisted of Dr. Dunning, Dr. 
Bridgman, Rev. Isaac 0. Rankin, George P. Morris, Miss 
Anne L. Buckley, and Miss Florence S. Fuller. In 1911 Dr. 
Dunning requested to be released from editorial responsibility. 
His twenty-two years of distinguished service in a time of 
change and transition made a large contribution through 
rehgious journahsm for the advancement of the Kingdom and 
the denomination. He was succeeded as editor by Dr. 
Bridgman, long connected with The Congregationalist. Mr. 
Rolfe Cobleigh, formerly associated with the Springfield 
Republican, became managing editor. In 1913 Rev. Parris T. 
Farwell became Hterary editor. From the beginning of its 
management the society sought to deal hberally with the 
paper, to maintain its best traditions, and keep it in the fore- 
front of American rehgious journahsm. 

The Congregationalist has always been ably represented by 
correspondents in different centers throughout the country 
and abroad. Its western editors and correspondents at Chi- 
cago have been such men as Rev. Simeon Gilbert, D.D., Rev. 



64 The Sunday-School Century 

Franklin E. Williams, D.D., Rev. J. H. Chandler, George H. 
Anderson, Rev. J. A. Adams, D.D., and Rev. R. W. Gammon, 
D.D., all of whom have rendered distinguished service. 

In 1867 Miss Ellen M. Stone was added to the staff, the 
first woman to have a place on The Congregationalist, and 
probably the first woman journalist in Boston. Since that 
time a goodly company of ladies have been connected with 
the paper, including Miss Sarah K. Bolton, Miss Frances J. 
Dyer, Miss Ida E. Kittredge, Miss Mary Barrows, Miss 
Henrietta H. Stan wood (Mrs. Charles B. Rice), Miss Anne L. 
Buckley, Miss Florence S. Fuller and others. 

That the Congregational public approved the passing of the 
paper from private to denominational ownership is evidenced 
by the cordial support given in all parts of the country. 
The move was in line with modern Congregational tendencies, 
whereby important enterprises are brought under denomina- 
tional control. The board of directors has conducted the 
paper by choosing each year the editor, a publisher, and a 
committee for general counsel. 

By recommendation of the National Council of 1917 The 
Advance, of Chicago, was purchased and merged with The 
Congregationalist under the name The Congregationalist and 
Advance. 

The Educational Department 

The first charter of the Massachusetts Sabbath-School 
Society, secured from the legislature in 1841, made provision 
for educational improvement as an important feature in 
connection with the operations of the society. The reorganiza- 
tion of the society in 1882 arose from the desire for improved 
instruction, as well as extension of Sunday-school work. 

The first article defined the work of the field force to be 
" to improve the condition of existing schools.^' The en- 
couragement of normal work, teacher training, and Sunday- 



ari 




First Educational Secretaries 

Rev. JAMES P. O'BRIEN. D.D. Rev. MILES B. FISHER, D.D. 

Rev. ROBERT W. GAMMON, D.D. Rev. MILTON S. LITTLEFIELD, D.D. 



Departmental Divisions 65 

school institutes was considered a part of the service of each 
superintendent and missionary. 

It was generally acknowledged that for a quarter of a 
century the Uniform Lessons marked an advance in Sunday- 
school instruction. Nevertheless, there was a growing convic- 
tion among rehgious educators that a more scientific method 
for Sunday-school courses and organization was called for. 

The matter of an advance in Sunday-school instruction was 
brought to the attention of the denomination at the National 
Council in Syracuse in 1895. At the meeting of the National 
Council at Portland, Maine, in 1901, a committee was ap- 
pointed " to secure, in connection with the Congregational 
Sunday-School and Publishing Society, better Sunday-school 
instruction," and at Cleveland in 1907 it was unanimously 
voted to endorse the purpose of the directors " to enlarge and 
organize the educational work of the Society and to secure 
and disburse funds for that special purpose." This action 
and that of various state conferences, and requests from many 
churches, led the society to devise plans for greater educa- 
tional emphasis. In 1911 Rev. B. S. Winchester became 
educational secretary in connection with his duties as editor. 
In addition to four district educational secretaries, Miss 
Margaret Slattery was secured for special service. 

Assistance for institute work was given by Prof. Edward P. 
St. John of the Hartford School of Religious Pedagogy, Miss 
Frances W. Danielson, Miss Frederica Beard, and others. 
Courses of study and standards for Sunday-school methods 
were devised and commended to the churches. This plan 
contemplated the improvement of the literary output, and the 
securing of the best educational methods by close co-operation 
of the editorial, business, and the missionary and extension 
departments. 

The five years' service of Dr. Winchester did much to put 
an educational impress upon the work of the society. 



Chapter VIII 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 

The Sunday-School Society, during its eighty-five years, has 
been served by ten secretaries. Most of the time there has 
been but one, and only for short periods have there been 
associate secretaries for different departments. These offi- 
cers have been closely associated with every department of 
the work, and their service, as far as can be recorded, is found 
in "the regular narrative. 

The Presidents 

The society has been fortunate in the character and abiHty 
of its presidents. Many of them served for long terms, and 
with distinction. During the first sixty-seven years the 
presidents were laymen. The first, Hon. William Reed of 
Marblehead, showed his deep interest in Sunday-schools as 
president of the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union during 
the seven years of its history. His fitness for the task seemed 
so apparent that, although the society was union, he, a Con- 
gregationahst, was reelected each year. With the forming of 
the Congregational society he was selected for the presidency, 
and served for five years until his death in 1837. Mr. Reed 
was succeeded by Alfred D. Foster, Esq., for one year and 
was followed by Hon. Samuel T. Armstrong, who served 
successfully for twelve years. He was succeeded by Hon. 
Samuel H. Walley, a most devoted friend of Sunday-school 
work, who gave time and ability to the presidency for eighteen 
years, having previously served thirteen years as director. 

During the next ten years Hon. Charles Theodore Russell 
of Cambridge, prominent and successful in all good work, 
served with devotion and abiHty until his death. For the 

66 



Executive Officers and Directors 67 

next few years the presidency was filled by J. Russell Brad- 
ford, Ezra Farnsworth and Samuel Johnson, all distinguished 
business men. 

When the readjustment of the society took place, in 1882, 
the choice of a president was felt to be of great importance. 
There is clear indication of divine guidance in the selection of 
Samuel B. Capen, one of the most earnest and active of Bos- 
ton's laymen. He entered heart and soul into the Hfe of the 
society in all its departments, giving generously of his energy 
and abihty in applying the best business methods to the pub- 
hshing department, and entering with devotion and enthusiasm 
into the missionary work, which had recently been restored. 
He was dehghted to meet any superintendent or missionary 
who visited headquarters, and when on business trips or 
attending Congregational gatherings, became acquainted with 
workers, their fields and their problems, and always imparted 
encouragement and inspiration. 

For seventeen years Mr. Capen gave most valuable service 
as president, and in the following fourteen years, as vice- 
president, was ever ready by voice, pen and counsel, to for- 
ward the interests of the society in its missionary, educational, 
and business enterprises. 

On the election of Dr. Capen as president of the American 
Board, Rev. Willard Scott, D.D., who, representing the Chi- 
cago District, had been vice-president, was elected president, 
and served for nine years. On the retirement of Dr. Scott, 
Dr. Henry Churchill King of OberHn was president for two 
years, and was succeeded by Rev. Frederick H. Page, who 
had served on the board of directors for eight years. Mr. 
Page's famiharity with every phase of the work of the Society, 
his devotion to it, and his generous contribution of time to its 
interest made his presidency an important factor in the ever- 
widening work committed to its care. 

At the meeting of the National Council of Congregational 
Churches in New Haven, Conn., in 1915, when control of the 



68 The Sunday-School Century 

Society passed to that body, Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., 
who had been active as a director for eight years, was elected 
president. Dr. Swift, being widely acquainted with the work 
of the Society, east and west, and deeply interested in its 
extension and educational departments, has rendered valua- 
ble service by his wise, sympathetic counsel and leadership. 

Board of Directors 

The Sabbath-School Society and the Board of Publication 
have had men of rare ability and devotion, who gave unspar- 
ingly of their time and means, as managers or directors. 
On the board of directors of the Sunday-School Society, 
eighty-four laymen have served. In the company of devoted 
laymen, Alpheus Hardy, the well-known Christian philan- 
thropist, was a member for fourteen years; Moses L. Hale, 
thirty-four; Charles Kimball, forty-one; Charles Scudder, 
nineteen; and many others, who were honored in the business 
world and by the churches, served for long periods. 

Among the ministers, Dr. John A. Albro, of the First Church 
of Cambridge, was a member for twenty-six years; Dr. 
Alonzo Quint, twenty; Dr. S. C. Herrick, of Mount Vernon 
Church, eleven, and Dr. J. W. Wellman, thirty-three. 

The longest term is that of Rev. B. F. Hamilton, D.D., who 
was elected in 1873, and served continuously as an active 
member until 1908. Since that time he has been faithful as an 
honorary member of the board, thus rendering a service of 
rare wisdom and devotion for forty-i&ve years. Dr. Hamilton 
was ever ready to work and speak for the society, keeping 
young in heart because of his great love for the youth of 
the land, to whom he believes the organization brings rich 
blessings. 

A strong company of ministers and laymen served the 
society as directors for the interior at Chicago, Among these 
were Rev. G. S. F. Savage, D.D., Rev. E. P. Goodwin, D. D., 



Executive Officers and Directors 69 

Rev. E. F. Williams, D.D., and Mr. I. N. Camp, Mr. 0. B. 
Taft, Mr. G. H. Case, Gen. J. B. Leake, Mr. R. E. Jenkins, 
Mr. E. W. Lyman and others, who gave the work much time 
and consideration. 

Treasurers 

The first treasurer was Mr. Charles Scudder, who served 
for ten years, and was succeeded by Mr. C. C. Dean, as agent 
and treasurer for twelve years. After his death Mr. Moses H. 
Sargent served for twenty-three years, until 1877. At this 
time the offices of agent and treasurer were separated, and Mr. 
Edward Gay served for three years, to be succeeded in 1881 
by Mr. E. Lawrence Barnard for sixteen years, followed by 
Mr. Charles F. Wyman for two years. Then the secretary of 
the society, Rev. George M. Boynton, D.D., was also made 
treasurer, and served for six years. He was succeeded by Mr. 
J. H. Tewksbury, the business manager, until his retirement 
in 1906. Mr. Phineas Hubbard held the office for one term, 
and was succeeded in 1907 by Henry T. Richardson, Esq., who 
faithfully served for eight years. He was succeeded in 1915 
by Mr. Samuel F. Wilkins. 

The treasurers for forty-five years served at a nominal 
salary, giving large amounts of time and business ability with- 
out compensation. 



Chapter IX 
FINANCING THE SOCIETY 

When the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society was 
organized, its object was wholly for the extension and im- 
provement of Sunday-school work, with little thought of 
extensive publications. It was sustained by Hfe membership 
fees, contributions from individuals and Sunday-schools, but 
for some time churches did not contribute to any extent. 
The other branch. The Congregational Board of Pubhcation, 
devoted its efforts to issuing doctrinal works deemed essential 
for the welfare of the churches, prepared especially for minis- 
ters and missionaries. In both organizations the publishing 
was considered a pure benevolence, and when literature was 
sold, the proceeds were used to augment the funds for benevo- 
lent purposes. 

When the society was reorganized, in 1882, a new impulse 
was given to the publishing interests, and funds were solicited 
for providing necessary capital. Since that time no appeal 
has been made by the business department, but the capital 
has been augmented by modest profits, and all donations have 
been devoted to the missionary, extension, and educational 
work. When the schools became loyal to their society, its 
business department was able to furnish a literature unsur- 
passed by any, and in turn to give aid to the missionary, 
extension and education departments. 

Grants from the Business Department 

In 1867 the business department made an appropriation of 
$5,000 toward the missionary work. On account of uncer- 
tainty and reorganization, the business department was not 
able to make any further appropriation until 1890, when 

70 



Financing the Society 71 

$2,500 was contributed. Since that time, with the exception of 
the years 1898 and 1907, until 1916, annual appropriations 
were made in sums varying from $2,500 to $7,500, aggregating 
$117,316.44. 

Individual Gifts 

From the beginning, Sunday-school work aroused a pecu- 
liar interest on the part of generous men and women. The 
early history of the society reveals many instances of rare and 
touching devotion. When the society was reorganized, some 
of the strongest men in the denomination came to its support 
by personal gifts, and others aroused their churches for spe- 
cial effort. Among these may be mentioned Mr. M. T. Dill, 
of Wisconsin; Dea. H. E. Ranney, of New York; Mr. E. K. 
Warren, of Michigan; Samuel B. Capen, Mr. J. J. Arakelyan, 
the Whitin brothers of Massachusetts; and many other 
generous givers of money and personal interest. 

Anonymous donors of amounts large and small have been 
numerous. A modest layman supported a co-worker on the 
field, with whom he corresponded, without allowing his name 
to be published. Another called at the office, and, stating 
that he wished to leave a small gift because of his interest in 
the work, laid down a sealed envelope which contained several 
hundred dollars, but before any clue to his identity could be 
obtained, the stranger had vanished. Another sent $6,000, 
but in such a way that his name should not appear. 

Equally worthy are a host with more modest means. A 
widow in Michigan sent for many years, with love and prayers, 
three dollars each quarter. A veteran minister in Oregon, 
past four-score years, sent his monthly gifts regularly for a 
period of years. 

A number of churches have taken special responsibility in 
supporting workers on the field. The Old South of Boston 
and the Second Church of Holyoke each provided for years 
the support of a worker. Many others have a share in some 



72 The Sunday-School Century 

specific field. Large numbers pay the expense of starting a 
new school which they maintain at least a year. 

Women's Societies 

The society has had the generous cooperation of the Women's 
Home Missionary Unions. The Woman's Home Missionary 
Association of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Unions 
of Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, and 
Vermont have all had a share in the support of one or more 
workers in different fields, with whom helpful and happy 
correspondence has been maintained. Other Women's Home 
Missionary Unions in different states have helped generously. 

Legacies 

During the early years, the society was not aided by be- 
quests. Its first legacy was five hundred dollars, received in 
1881 from the estate of Peter Smith, of Andover, Massachu- 
setts. Since the reorganization, when the future of the society 
seemed assured, legacies have steadily increased. The first 
large gift from this source was that of the Joseph H. Stickney 
estate, of Baltimore, in 1895, amounting to $20,000. Many 
small bequests have been made by those who have been inti- 
mately associated with the society, some designated for in- 
creasing the permanent funds, and others for the current 
work. Mrs. Vilroy C. Lord, of Springfield, Massachusetts, 
made the Sunday-School Society, together with the American 
Board and the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, on 
equal terms, residuary legatees. The share of the Sunday- 
School Society from this estate amounted to about $18,000. 
Miss Philomela A. WilHams, of South Deerfield, Massachu- 
setts, made a similar bequest which resulted in about an 
equal amount. The late Samuel T. Johnson, of Syracuse, 
New York, made provision in his will for the largest amount 
yet bequeathed to the society. A goodly number have inti- 



Financing the Society 73 

mated that the society is remembered in their wills. There is 
every prospect that with favorable conditions the income from 
this source will constantly increase. 

It was found expedient, for the purpose of equalizing, that 
there should be a Legacy Fund, to which the gifts of each 
year should be added and a third of the total amount ap- 
propriated for the year. The average amount available for 
three years up to 1914 was $5,597.69; the average for the next 
three years was $13,677.61. The equalizing legacy fund has 
furnished means for tiding over the '* dry months " without 
paying large sums for interest, and the three year plan has 
been strictly adhered to. 

Annuity Gifts 

An annuity account was established by which those who 
donated certain sums received an annuity during their hfe 
time or that of those who might be designated. These funds 
have been kept apart from others while subject to the annuity, 
and when released have been placed in the legacy account. 
The annuities have always been paid with promptness and the 
annuitants have found much satisfaction in this form of gift. 

Permanent Funds 

The first fund given to the society to be held permanently 
was $5,000 in 1870, to be known as the Christian Knowledge 
Fund, the income to be used in circulating literature. In 
recognition of the long and devoted service of the Rev. Asa 
Bullard, the Congregational Superintendents' Union of Boston 
resolved to establish a fund which would commemorate his 
memory and provide in large measure for the support of a 
field worker. This amount has been added to the permanent 
funds, and the income is used for the support of the Asa Bul- 
lard Missionary. The permanent funds now amount to 
about $55,000, and are still being added to by special gifts or 



74 The Sunday-School Century 

bequests. The income from this fund helps to give stability, 
and aids in tiding over the months and years when the income 
is below normal. This permanent fund is kept entirely 
separate from all other funds and has never been used, even 
in security for loans, but gives business standing and confi- 
dence in the conduct of the society. 

Financial Growth 

The gifts the first year of the Massachusetts Sabbath- 
School Society were $768 from Hfe members, and $411 do- 
nated for work in the Mississippi Valley, a total of $1,179. 
This amount increased until 1873, when it reached $12,224. 
The work was then transferred, and the contributions three 
years later were $1,461. After the society was reorganized 
the donations steadily increased. The income for benevolent 
purposes in 1885 amounted to $25,255; in 1895, $64,566; 
in 1905, $71,903; in 1915, $85,632. The amount of $100,000 
in direct gifts annually was recommended by the National 
Council and reaffirmed at several sessions. 



Chapter X 
CHILDREN'S DAY 

The germs of Children's Day can be found much earher 
than the date assigned for its general observance. Many 
churches had special occasions in recognition of the rights of 
childhood in the church, even before the days of the modern 
Sunday-schools, but the organization of Sunday-schools gave 
a new meaning to such occasions. 

It is impossible to determine how or when the definite 
modern observance of Children's Day originated. Inde- 
pendence Day, observed for some years in Sunday-schools, 
beginning about 1846, was in some respects a forerunner. 
Among the founders of the modern observance was Rev. 
Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Brooklyn. In the New York 
Observer is found a description of the observance in the Church 
of the Pilgrims: " Dr. Storrs stood by the communion table, 
on which lay a piled-up heap of flowers, flanked by httle white 
packages, tied with dainty ribbons. CalKng by name each 
child of the church who had reached the age of seven years, 
the pastor presented each one with a kiss, a bouquet of flowers, 
and a well-bound Oxford Bible, inscribed with the date of the 
child's birth and the date of presentation, and the pastor's 
signature." 

The pastor of the Kirk Street Church of Lowell, Massa- 
chusetts, in 1870 arranged an interesting program for children, 
called The Rose of Sharon. The day continued to be observed 
in this church and attracted attention. In different places 
the observance received such designations as Rose Sunday, 
Christening Sunday, Children's Sunday, or Children's Day. 

The custom became common in Congregational churches, 
and in 1883 the National Council and nearly all the state 

75 



76 The Sunday-School Century 

bodies of the denomination passed resolutions commending 
the observance of Children's Day, the second Sunday of 
June, and recommending that offerings be taken at that time 
for The Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing So- 
ciety for the extension of Sunday-school work. 

In 1885 Children's Day material was furnished as a help 
toward a fitting observance of the day, and offerings of con- 
siderable amounts were received. The first complete service 
was issued in 1886, entitled Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Since 
that time services of high order have been provided each year, 
such as The Children and the Kingdom, The Child in the 
Temple, My Country, The Child in the Midst, The Child 
in the Church, Temple Praises, America, Our Comrades, 
Agomen, True Patriots, The Children and the Flowers, The 
Children and the Church, The First Children's Day, 
The Church of To-day and the Church of Tomorrow, 
Forward, Children at Home, Young Crusaders, and Chil- 
dren of the Pilgrims. 

These services have contained choice music and gems of 
literature suitable for interesting young and old in the child- 
life of the home church, and also for arousing an intelligent 
interest in reaching the children and youth in new and needy 
parts of our country and other lands. The services have 
been called for in large numbers, and usually over 100,000 
have been furnished each year free of cost to all the Sunday- 
schools and churches agreeing to take an offering on Children's 
Day for the missionary, extension and educational work of 
the Sunday-School Society. The offerings on Children's 
Day the first year were $3,402, and increased until they 
amounted to as much as $25,000 in a single year. When the day 
was first observed, a large number of churches made their only 
offering in connection with the Sunday-school on Children's 
Day, and the gifts were subject to the popularity of the ser- 
vice, weather, or other conditions. With the adoption of the 
apportionment plan, less stress was placed upon the offering; 



Children's Day 77 

but the day still furnished an excellent opportunity for 
interesting a very large number in the joyful work of giving 
the benefits of the Sunday-school to children and young people, 
especially in new and needy places. Hence, the offering of 
Children's Day still has an honored place, and perhaps no 
other society of the denomination has had so numerous a 
constituency. Nearly 500,000 little Children's Day envelopes 
have been used annually. 

The day is observed in the most primitive communities on 
the frontier, and in the most influential churches of the city. 
No institution inaugurated by the denomination has so largely 
bound the churches and Sunday-schools in one common cause 
at the same time. 

The prominent features have been the baptism of children, 
the presentation of Bibles to those who have reached the age 
of seven during the year, and exercises by the children, either 
individually or as classes, or departments. Children's Day 
has been of great value in deepening the love of the children 
for the church, and the love of the church for the children. 
The churches are made beautiful by flowers and other decora- 
tions, and the effort is always made to have the day full of 
gladness in which young and old may unite. Exercises by 
which pupils in graded schools are promoted to higher de- 
partments are frequently used. Much is made of music, and 
in this way the hymnology of the Sunday-schools has been 
improved. An earnest effort has been made to secure the 
best talent in the preparation of the services. The field 
workers of the Sunday-School Society have done much to 
make the observance general in all the Sunday schools and 
churches. One of the great benefits has been the gathering 
of large numbers of children and adults who were strangers 
to the Sunday-school and church. Many of these have been 
interested and have become regular attendants. The institu- 
tion gives promise of being a permanent feature in the life of 
the churches of all denominations. 



Chapter XI 

FOREIGN WORK 

Abroad 

Among the early objects of benevolence of the American 
Doctrinal Tract Society were gifts of books for the use of the 
missionaries in foreign lands. In 1834, one hundred bound 
volumes were presented to the American Board, to be dis- 
tributed among its missionaries. When the two Societies 
united, forming The Congregational Sabbath-School and 
Pubhshing Society, aid was continued as occasion and re- 
sources warranted. 

With the development of the Sunday-school work in the 
fields of the American Board, a goodly number of these schools 
were provided with Hterature. Most of the churches were 
poor, and grants were made to them in the same way that 
mission schools are aided in the homeland. In the year 1914 
there were ninety-one grants made in foreign lands to fifty- 
one different schools. Disaster caused by the World War has 
interfered with the work, but it is expected that when peace 
is restored, the opportunities for co-operation and assistance 
will be greater than ever before. Modern Sunday-school 
methods are being adopted, and the workers in foreign fields 
are anxious for the most improved plans and the best htera- 
ture. The society has been able to assist by sending samples 
of its lesson material, from which translations have been made, 
and advance copy has also been furnished, to assist in issuing 
up-to-date quarterlies. 

A grant was made for a number of years for printing Po- 
mucka, a Bohemian lesson paper at Prague, under the supervi- 
sion of missionaries of the American Board. During the year 
1894, Dr. W. A. Duncan, the field secretary, found such 
eagerness in the city of Rome for illustrated Sunday-school 

78 



Foreign Work 79 

papers, that aid was given by which L'Amico dei Fanciulli 
was sent to about four thousand ItaHan children. 

Delegations visiting the stations of the American Board 
have made mention of the value of the help furnished them. 
When the delegation of 1913 made its itinerary, including 
India, China, and Japan, Pres. Samuel B. Capen, one of the 
vice-presidents of the Sunday-School Society, and Secretary 
W. E. Strong of the American Board were requested to act as 
a committee to report on the work that was being done and 
willingly accepted the commission. To the great sorrow of 
all Dr. Capen passed away while on the journey. Dr. Strong 
reported the appreciation of the missions for the past and 
present grants of literature, and the co-operation of the society 
in the work of the Board. It seems very probable that the 
advance of Sunday-school work in foreign fields may be even 
as far-reaching in its results as in our own land. 

At Home 

The workers of the society have always been interested 
in reaching foreign peoples. This has been done mostly 
through the regular Sunday-school work, in which literature 
in the EngHsh language is used. A large service, however, 
has also been rendered by providing literature in different 
languages. In 1884 there was an earnest call for literature 
to explain Congregational principles in the German language. 
To meet this need, a manual and a catechism were printed, 
and the manual was also translated into Swedish. 

In 1888 the society assisted in the publication of two Ger- 
man papers, Der Kirchenbote (The Church Messenger) and 
Die Segensquelle (The Spring of Blessing). In 1889 the two 
German and a Bohemian paper were aided, also a French 
paper, Le Citoyen Franco-Americain. 

Aid was continued to these and other papers, and in 1892-3 
the following were assisted: German, Der Kirchenbote, and 



80 The Sunday-School Century 

Die Segensquelle; Bohemian, Pravda; Danish-Norwegian, 
EvangeHsten; French, Le Citoyen Franco- Americain; ItaUan, 
La Tromba Evangelica and L'Amico dei Fanciulli; Holland, 
De Evangeliebode. These were widely circulated in our 
country and to some extent in the lands from which the 
different peoples had come. French, Italian, Swedish and 
Greek papers, published in New England since that time, have 
received assistance at different periods, both for their publica- 
tion and circulation. 

To be helpful to our brethren who have come from other 
lands, workers have been selected who could speak different 
languages. Mr. Soderquist worked among the Swedish 
people in Minnesota, followed in that state by Rev. J. F. 
Okerstein, and Rev. L. A. Sahlstrom did a similar work among 
the Swedes in North Dakota. In 1907 Rev. Herman Sell 
was elected superintendent for German work in North Dakota 
and the northwestern states, where he has rendered a valuable 
service. He has also been helpful to the German settlers in 
the Canadian Northwest. 

Rev. J. C. Schwabenland did a good work in Oregon, Wash- 
ington, and Idaho, especially in bringing the German and 
EngHsh people into sympathetic and helpful co-operation. 
He afterwards labored in Colorado and adjoining states, and 
was esteemed by both Germans and Americans. 

Miss Anna Keranen and Rev. Wilhelm Leeman labored with 
encouraging results among Finnish people of New Hampshire 
and northern New England. 

Superintendent H. P. Case of southern California acquired 
a working knowledge of the Spanish language that he might 
interest Spanish and Mexican peoples, of whom there are 
vast numbers in his field. Other field workers have followed 
a similar course in reaching those of different nationalities. 

The largest work, however, among foreign peoples is being 
done by strong men of broad vision and wide sympathies 
who, by personal effort and through the Sunday-schools, are 



Foreign Work 81 

winning especially the children and youth of different lands 
irrespective of creed or nationality. American workers and 
American literature have provided the best permanent means 
for helping fellow citizens from other lands. For a long time, 
however, the employment of foreign speaking missionaries 
will need to be continued. There are clear indications that 
the preparation and circulation of literature in different 
languages should be greatly enlarged. 



Chapter XII 
STATE DEVELOPMENT 

The nation-wide work of the Sunday-School Society was 
one of the influences which helped to develop a denomina- 
tional consciousness. Responsibility was left, as largely as 
possible, in the states with which the society co-operated; 
but, for the sake of economy and efficiency, common interests 
were bound together in a national organization. 

The movements which led to the reorganization of the 
Society in 1882 began simultaneously in many states. Rev. 
A. E. Dunning, as secretary, solicited the appointment of 
cooperating state committees. Almost invariably these 
committees asked for the appointment of state superin- 
tendents, and these were selected in consultation with the 
representatives of state conferences and associations. The 
state representatives shared the responsibility for the direc- 
tion and support of the work. National officers aided irrespec- 
tive of state boundaries, and, in the interest of economy, 
districts were sometimes made by grouping small, or Con- 
gregationally weak, states into one field, or dividing a state 
or territory when found expedient. Hence, it is difficult to 
give with absolute accuracy the statistical record of each 
separate state. It is, however, of interest to trace the de- 
velopment, as far as possible, according to state lines. 

NEW ENGLAND 

Massachusetts 

The earhest Sunday-school effort in which Congregational- 
ists, in any united way, were engaged was in Massachusetts. 
This was continued through the Boston Society for the Moral 

82 




Eastern Representatives 



Rev. GABRIEL H. DeBEVOISE Captain GEORGE W. LANE 

WILLIAM A. DUNCAN, Ph.D. 
Rev. FRANCIS J. MARSH Rev. ARTHUR W. BAILEY 



State Development 83 

and Religious Instruction of the Poor, the American Sunday- 
School Union, the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union, 
sustained by Congregationalists and Baptists, and then by 
the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society. This society 
by steady natural growth became national, although it re- 
tained its state name until 1868. During that period the 
history of the state organization, to a large extent, is identical 
with that of the national society. Among the earliest workers 
were theological students of Andover Seminary, who, as Sun- 
day-school missionaries, in the early days did much for 
destitute communities. To these and to more favored places 
also they brought high ideals and the best methods of religious 
education of their time and rendered an important service 
to the commonwealth. 

The agents and secretaries of the Massachusetts Sabbath- 
School Society, such as Rev. Christopher Marsh and Rev. 
Asa Bullard, Mr. C. C. Dean, and all connected with the 
society, gave generously of their time and effort to strengthen 
and improve the work in the state. The early annual meet- 
ings were important events, and greatly stimulated interest. 
With the reorganization of the society in 1882, Massachu- 
setts gave generous financial support for the missionary and 
extension work, and in addition contributed about $20,000 
to increase the capital of the business department, making it 
possible to improve its Sunday-school hterature. 

The Congregational Association of Massachusetts heartily 
co-operated and asked for the employment of a Sunday-school 
worker, and nominated Rev. G. H. DeBevoise, who was 
elected in September, 1884, and did much in a short term of 
service for the Sunday-schools of the state, and increased the 
gifts for the national work. 

In 1893 Rev. Francis J. Marsh was elected New England 
Secretary. During the twelve years in which he labored there 
were few of the churches of Massachusetts that were not en- 
couraged and helped by the personal visits and correspon- 



84 The Sunday-School Century 

dence of Mr. Marsh. He labored to improve and enlarge the 
Sunday-school work of all the churches in his district, while 
stimulating gifts for extending it in all parts of the country. 

Rev. Silas P. Cook, in connection with the Home Mission- 
ary Society, devoted a part of his time for nine years to the 
Sunday-School Society. Miss Zillah Grant, Miss Martha 
Nichols, and Miss Grace E. Stanley were employed in different 
years, largely in connection with special missionary Sunday- 
school enterprises in the vicinity of Boston. 

The national secretaries, Rev. Albert E. Dunning, Rev. 
George M. Boynton, Rev. Frank K. Sanders, Rev. William 
Ewing, and Rev. B. S. Winchester, also Miss Margaret 
Slattery, and the editors and their associates. Dr. M. C. 
Hazard, Mr. C. A. Brand, Dr. S. A. Weston, the business 
managers and their assistants, while having interests which 
were nation-wide, have done as much as possible to aid the 
schools near at hand. 

Since 1889 sixty-six Sunday-schools have been organized in 
Massachusetts by the aid of the society, and 1,616 grants of 
Hterature made, at a cost of $6,906.17. For these grants of 
hterature and missionary service in the state, $20,869.52 
were expended. There were generous gifts for the missionary 
and also the business department of the society previous to 
1889. Since that time there have been contributed $482,- 
910.71 for the state and national work, besides $81,055.24 
in legacies. No state in the Union has given so much and no 
state has so fully reahzed the truth that it is more blessed to 
give than to receive. Its own Sunday-school membership 
has grown from 94,977 in 1882 to 129,189 in 1916. 

Connecticut 

The churches of Connecticut very early became auxiliary 
to the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, and took an 
active part in developing the national Sunday-school work. 



State Development 85 

They welcomed the representatives of the Society, and when 
superintendents were employed in the West, gladly received 
their visits to the East. They were stimulated in their own 
work by the thrilling messages which were given, and in turn 
imparted encouragement to the workers at the front by gener- 
ous gifts. Since the reorganization of the society, Connecti- 
cut has contributed $202,004.77 in regular donations, and 
$19,255.72 in legacies. 

The Woman's Home Missionary Union has taken a deep 
interest, and for many years made special appropriations 
toward the work in southern California, conducted by Superin- 
tendent H. P. Case, at a time when it was new and needy. 
Appropriations were made for North Dakota and other parts 
of the West. 

Mr. Marsh in 1893, as New England superintendent, en- 
tered heartily into the Sunday-school life and was helpful to 
many of the schools during his twelve years of service. 

Rev. F. L. Hall, a worker in Nebraska, represented the so- 
ciety and quickened the interest of Sunday-schools during 
the last two years of his theological course in Yale. 

In 1911 Rev. W. R. Stewart was transferred from Vermont 
and entered work under a special trust left in charge of the 
church of New Canaan, and continued his connection with the 
Sunday-School Society. 

The Yale Divinity School, the Hartford Seminary, and the 
Hartford School of ReUgious Pedagogy have been generous 
in their co-operation for strengthening the educational side of 
the Sunday-school work. Connecticut welcomed the special 
educational work of the society under the direction of Secre- 
tary Winchester. Miss Frances W. Danielson, of Danielson, 
one of his associates, exerted a wide influence through the 
beginners' and primary departments. 



86 The Sunday-School Century 

Rhode Island 

Rhode Island was one of the fields of Sunday-school mis- 
sionary effort in the active days of Asa BuUard. Many of 
the older members of the churches can remember his Sunday- 
school addresses and the literature which bore the name of the 
society which he represented, and his kindly greetings. The 
state has always been loyal and heartily co-operated with 
Secretary Marsh and other representatives of the Society. 

Although Rhode Island is small geographically, it furnishes 
a field for missionary and extension work. A representative 
of the Home Missionary Society in 1916 stated that about 
one- third of Rhode Island should have the field service of a 
representative of the Sunday-School Society for a part of 
each year, and especially a worker who understands how to 
reach new Americans, who furnish more than one-half the 
population of the state. 

Maine 

Maine was among the earhest New England states to or- 
ganize definitely for Sunday-school extension, Rev. Asa Bul- 
lard serving as a Sunday-school missionary while a student in 
the seminary, and as secretary from 1832 to 1834. The work 
was undenominational, according to the custom of the time, 
but was largely sustained by Congregational churches. 

When Mr. Bullard was elected to the Massachusetts Sab- 
bath-School Society, Maine, as well as all other states where 
there was Congregational work, received the help of this 
organization. A helpful cooperation was maintained be- 
tween Maine and the national Congregational Society in the 
different stages of its development. 

\ In 1887 Capt. George W. Lane, finding great destitution 
among the people of the islands and coast, became a Sunday- 
school missionary for them, making use of his gospel boat, 
The Alert, which was provided by the Sunday-School 



State Development 87 

Society. For seven years he carried on this work, reaching 
large numbers, especially in the summer season. The Captain 
also during some of the winters served the society in North 
Carolina, of which state he was a native. 

Rev. Francis J. Marsh, in the twelve years of his secretary- 
ship, visited helpfully most of the associations and many of the 
Sunday-schools. Rev. Josiah Poeton was an assistant during 
1902-04, and in 1909 Rev. J. J. Yost spent some time exploring, 
and found many needy places to which he gave valuable help. 

In response to earnest invitations, in 1912 Rev. Arthur W. 
Bailey was elected northern New England superintendent, 
his field comprising Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. 
His work was largely to help in meeting the educational 
problems arising from the use of graded literature, and the 
demands for improved Sunday-school methods. In this service 
Mr. Bailey represented the missionary extension and the educa- 
tional departments, by institutes and conferences, grants of 
Kterature to needy schools, and by planting new ones as 
opportunity offered. 

New Hampshire 

New Hampshire, like the other states of New England, 
received a large amount of Sunday-school planting through 
the agency of the American Sunday-School Union, largely 
sustained by Congregational gifts. It also received aid 
through the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, and 
the Congregational Sunday-School and Pubhshing Society, 
sharing the services of Secretary Marsh and other representa- 
tives. 

From 1911 to 1915 Rev. Wilhelm Leeman, connected with 
the Home Missionary Society, devoted part of his time to 
Sunday-school work among the Finnish people. This in- 
teresting work was still further helped by the successful service 
of Miss Anna Keranen. 

The work in the state was strengthened by the employment 



88 The Sunday -School Century 

of Supt. Arthur W. Bailey. An active Sunday-school propa- 
ganda is needed to meet the children of the new Americans 
and to keep alive the interest in many of the decadent hill 
towns. 

New Hampshire, like all the New England states, has been 
generous in the support of the society. 

Vermont 

The Sunday-school work took early and deep root in the 
churches of the Pilgrim faith in the Green Mountain state. 
It became a part of the regular church work, and was earnestly 
fostered by pastors and laymen. The state was loyal to the 
national Sunday-School Society in its different stages of 
development. 

When Secretary Marsh became New England Secretary 
he found much that needed to be done in Vermont. Rev. 
Frank F. Lewis was secured in connection with the Domestic 
Missionary Society for a year, in developing Sunday-school, 
Christian Endeavor, and church work in the needy places in 
the state. 

When Secretary Marsh retired, in 1905, Rev. Wilson R. 
Stewart was appointed in connection with the Domestic 
Missionary Society, to devote part of his time to special 
Sunday-school work. For six years Mr. Stewart stimulated 
and encouraged the churches for larger effort, planted schools 
where needed, and helped to keep alive many small churches 
through their Sunday-schools while they were temporarily 
without pastoral oversight. Mr. Stewart resigned in 1911, 
to accept a similar position in Connecticut. 

The service of Rev. Arthur W. Bailey found a ready wel- 
come in Vermont and helped to strengthen the work, especially 
by encouraging improved educational methods. 

A foreign population is beginning to occupy the land where 
formerly dwelt the enterprising sons and daughters of New 



State Development 89 

England, who have gone to wider fields. Many of the churches 
have been depleted by this exodus, and by Sunday-school 
efforts are reaching the children of the '' strangers within 
their gates." 

The Vermont Woman's Home Missionary Union has taken 
an active interest in specific workers of the society, and has 
helped generously in their support. 

New England Contkibutions 

New England has sent out a noble company of her sons 
and daughters who have had an honored share in the religious 
pioneering of the West, and has helped in its development by 
generous gifts. From 1889 to 1917 New England contributed 
to the missionary work of the Society $823,678.30 in donations, 
and $115,503.73 in legacies; a total of $939,182.03. During 
that time there was expended $9,311.10 in grants of literature 
to aid her new or needy schools. 

A large amount of missionary, extension, and educational 
work has been carried on by the national secretaries of the 
Society in connection with their other duties. These and 
the local representatives employed have had an important 
part in developing the Sunday-school work of New England 
and extending it to other parts of the world. 

CENTRAL STATES 

Illinois 

IlHnois was among the states assisted by The Massachu- 
setts Sabbath-School Union, sustained by Congregationalists 
and Baptists. In 1831 the sum of one thousand dollars was 
granted by that organization for Hterature, and an equal 
amount for the services of a worker. When the Massachu- 
setts Sabbath-School Society was organized in 1832, assis- 



90 The Sunday-School Century 

tance was continued, principally by grants of literature and 
visits by its representatives. 

A large amount of literature was sent, during the first 
fifty years, through Chicago agencies or directly to the Sun- 
day-schools and churches. The work of Dr. Hazard, who 
in 1883 was made western secretary, did much in connection 
with Dr. Dunning in shaping the Congregational Sunday- 
school interests for the Interior. When after two years of 
efficient service Dr. Hazard was appointed editor and removed 
to Boston, aid was continued by literature and correspondence 
through the Boston office and different Chicago agencies. 
As a result of earnest requests from the interior states, Rev. 
H. T. Sell, of Cortland, New York, was called in 1887 to the 
superintendency for Illinois and Indiana. In 1888 Indiana 
was transferred to the Ohio field, and Wisconsin united with 
Illinois in sharing the services of Mr. Sell. He had deep 
interest in educational improvement, and while gathering 
schools in needy places, gave an educational upUft to the Sun- 
day-school work of the two great states. He did much to 
stimulate the churches and individuals for the splendid finan- 
cial support which they have since given. Mr. Sell was as- 
sisted in Illinois in 1889 by Mr. H. A. Cotton, and in 1891 and 
1892 by Rev. E. L. Hill. 

On the retirement of Dr. Sell in 1892, he was succeeded by 
Rev. W. F. McMillen, who had served the Society with abiHty 
for five years in Ohio and Indiana. Wisconsin was made a 
separate field, and Dr. McMillen retained the care of his for- 
mer district, Ohio and Indiana, in addition to IlHnois. Secre- 
tary McMillen, during the eighteen years of his service in the 
Chicago office, was aided at different periods by Rev. H. S. 
Wannamaker, Rev. J. J. Watson, Rev. D. M. Brown as a 
correspondent in southern Illinois, Mrs. Mary J. Bryner in 
educational work. Rev. James Hayes, Rev. H. T. Williams, 
Rev. W. A. Elhott, Rev. F. L. Fisk, Rev. A. J. Sullens and 
Rev. B. M. Southgate. 




Rev. henry T. SELL, D.D. 
Rev. ELISHA W. MILLER 



Central Superintendents 

Rev. WILLIAM F. McMILLEN. D.D. 
Rev. GEORGE C. HAUN 

Rev. ORRIN L. ROBINSON 



State Development 91 

Dr. McMillen was untiring in his devotion and loyalty to 
the society, and labored incessantly until, broken in health, 
he laid down his life. A movement was started to create a 
fund to perpetuate his work, and deserves to be completed 
as a memorial to the noble service rendered for the children 
and youth, foreign and native, poor and rich, to whom he 
devotedly ministered. 

Dr. McMillen was succeeded in March, 1911, by Rev. 
Robert W. Gammon, pastor of the Congregational church, 
Decatur, Illinois. Dr. Gammon was nominated by the Com- 
mittee on Sunday-school Work of the Illinois Congregational 
Conference, because of his executive ability, missionary zeal, 
and special equipment for leadership in religious education. 
He had shown marked ability as a leader in Bible study in 
different educational institutions and summer schools. 

Earnest calls came from other states for help in meeting the 
new educational demands incident to the use of graded litera- 
ture and improved methods of religious education. Ohio 
was made a separate field and the Chicago district secretary 
was given larger opportunity to render assistance in the Cen- 
tral Western States. Dr. Gammon assisted in this wide field 
in local and state associations and by special Sunday-school 
conferences and institutes. He led the Congregational 
Summer Sunday-School Conference at Frankfort, Michigan, 
and assisted in similar gatherings in other states. 

Miss S. A. McDermott, as assistant to Dr. Gammon, aided 
schools, large and small, in successfully meeting their new 
educational opportunities. 

Under the administration of Dr. Gammon, the Chicago 
office grew in importance, and its influence extended through- 
out the Middle West. 

Wisconsin 

Wisconsin was among the early states to receive a worker. 
Rev. John R. Reitzel was selected because of interest in the 



92 The Sunday-School Century 

religious training of the young, and his famiharity with the 
German language. Mr. ReitzeFs service, which began in 
1884, was brief, and on his resignation the work was carried 
for a time from the Chicago and Boston offices, until 1887, 
when Rev. H. T. Sell took the superintendency in connection 
with Illinois. Two strong men, who afterwards rendered 
distinguished service, were employed while students, under the 
direction of Mr. Sell, Otto C. Grauer, in 1889, and George C. 
Haun, for two summer vacations, while pursuing their theo- 
logical courses at Chicago Seminary. 

The services of Superintendent Sell did much to give the 
work standing among the ministers and laymen of the State. 
Rev. George C. Haun was elected superintendent in 1892, and 
carried missionary Sunday-school extension to the most re- 
mote corners of the great, rapidly-developing commonwealth. 
Robust and vigorous in mind and body, winsome in spirit, 
and with burning missionary and evangelistic zeal, Mr. Haun 
made a deep impression upon the state, and rendered it a very 
large service. His sudden death in 1903, caused by unusual 
exposure in pioneer missionary effort, brought great sorrow to 
multitudes who were interested in his promising life and work. 

Wisconsin became noted as one of the most hberal states 
for the support of the Society, the donations reaching $3,714.43 
in 1903. In addition to the regular contributions there were 
some special gifts, one generous donor contributing $5,000 
at one time. 

During the superintendency of Mr. Haun, Rev. John WiUan 
entered the service, in 1897, as a joint missionary, and con- 
tinued in this relation until 1915. During an interval after 
the death of Mr. Haun, Mrs. Haun, who had been a devoted 
helper to her husband, cared for the work. In 1904 Rev. 
O. L. Robinson was elected, a worthy successor to Mr. Haun. 
Rev. Fred Dahlberg, a product of the missionary effort of 
the Sunday-School and Home Missionary Societies, and the 
Christian Academy at Ashland, was commissioned in 1905, 



State Development 93 

and rendered excellent service for three years in northeastern 
Wisconsin and northwestern Michigan. In addition to Mr. 
Willan and Mr. Dahlberg, Mr. Robinson had for brief periods 
the assistance of Mr. F. G. Wangehn and Mr. A. H. Parmelee, 
and for four years from 1912 the services of Miss Helen M. 
Jones as a joint missionary. 

Wisconsin was one of the first to organize a state confer- 
ence, with plans for taking large responsibility in relation to 
all departments of missionary work. An arrangement was 
entered into with the Sunday-School Society by which joint 
responsibihty was assumed in relation to the employment and 
direction of workers; monthly reports and percentage of 
receipts going to the national society, which arranged for the 
grants of hterature, made acknowledgment of receipts, and 
aided in the educational work in the state. 

Ohio 

In 1887 Rev. W. F. McMillen, a recent graduate of Oberlin 
Seminary, after a pastorate at Lyme, Ohio, was elected 
superintendent, and entered with enthusiasm into his life 
work. He kindled new zeal and helped to plant branch schools 
around the country and village churches, and gave inspira- 
tion and help for improving and extending religious education 
in the state. 

A Sunday-school planted at Hough Avenue, Cleveland, and 
fostered by Superintendent McMillen, soon developed into 
one of the prominent churches of the city. Similar service 
was rendered in other parts of Cleveland, and in several of the 
growing cities and towns. Mr. W. E. Wheeler, Mr. T. J. 
Collier, Rev. C. J. Dole, and Rev. George Gadsby assisted for 
brief periods, and after the removal of Dr. McMillen to 
Chicago, Rev. Norman Plass served for a short time as joint 
missionary in Ohio, while Mrs. Mary J. Bryner rendered a 
large educational service here, as in other parts of the field 



94 The Sunday-School Century 

under Dr. McMillen's direction. In the following years assis- 
tance was also given by Rev. 0. R. Newcomb and Rev. A. J. 
SuUens. In 1908 Rev. B. M. Southgate was appointed as- 
sistant superintendent especially for the Ohio field, with head- 
quarters at Toledo, and carried the work successfully for two 
years. Dr. McMillen had aided in the neighboring states of 
Kentucky and West Virginia, and with the appointment of 
Mr. Southgate these states were added to the Ohio district. 
A large proportion of the children and young people in the 
Congregational Sunday-schools of Ohio knew and loved Dr. 
McMillen, and mourned his death. 

In 1911, on the nomination of the Ohio Sunday-school 
Committee, Rev. Charles L. Fisk, of Sabetha, Kansas, was 
elected superintendent. He had shown marked interest and 
ability in missionary and educational Sunday-school work 
during pastorates in Chicago and Kansas. Kentucky and 
West Virginia were still retained in connection with Ohio, and 
western Pennsylvania was added to Mr. Fisk's field. 

Indiana 

Indiana was one of the fields cultivated by the Massachu- 
setts Sabbath-School Society, when it aided alike Presby- 
terian and Congregational schools. Those in Indiana to a 
large extent became Presbyterian. When Rev. W. F. Mc- 
Millen was elected to the superintendency in Ohio in 1887, 
Indiana soon became a part of his field, and when he removed 
to Chicago it still remained under his care, receiving a part of 
his time and that of his helpers. Among these Mrs. Bryner 
gave valuable assistance in improving the schools. Dr. 
McMillen was one of the first to begin Christian work in Gary 
and planted the first Sunday-school there. His helper. Rev. 
A. J. Sullens, took an active part and was called to become the 
first pastor of the church which grew out of the Sunday-school. 
Indiana was retained in connection with Illinois when Dr. 




Iowa Superintendents 



Rev. JAMES R. KNODELL 



Rev. CHARLES A. TOWLE 



Rev. henry W. TUTTLE, D.D. 



Rev. OTTERBIEN O. SMITH 



Rev. AUGUSTUS C. HACKE 



State Development 95 

Gammon became superintendent, and assistance was given 
by Miss S. A. McDermott. 

Between the years 1882 and 1917 there were organized 76 
schools, and 506 grants of Hterature were made to aid the 
schools. 

Iowa 

In 1884 Rev. James R. Knodell, pastor at Eldora, Iowa, was 
elected superintendent with large promise of usefulness, 
but, breaking in health, he resigned after a year of service. 

He was succeeded in 1886 by Rev. Charles A. Towle, 
pastor at Monticello, who for thirteen years did a steady 
strong, and constructive work, until he passed away in 
1899, honored and beloved. Mr. Towle carried the work 
alone except for a brief period in 1889, when he was assisted 
by Mr. L. E. Herrick. 

On the death of Mr. Towle, Rev. Otterbein 0. Smith was 
elected superintendent and carried forward the work for six 
years, being assisted in 1901 and 1902 by Rev. H. H. Burch. 
In 1905 Superintendent Smith accepted a pastorate and was 
succeeded by Rev. Henry W. Tuttle, D.D. For a period 
Superintendent Tuttle also had responsibilities in connection 
with the work of the Home Missionary Society, but by the 
recommendation of the state committee it was arranged that 
the Sunday-school work should be under separate leadership, 
the superintendent giving it his entire attention. 

Dr. Tuttle was closely identified with Grinnell College and 
the educational interests of the state. In connection with a 
strong committee, he made the educational as well as mission- 
ary features prominent. In this rich agricultural state the 
efforts were primarily in cultivating the neighborhoods around 
the country churches, many of which are inhabited by peoples 
of other lands, or their descendants. Generous quantities of 
literature have been circulated, Sunday-schools strengthened, 
and people differing in language, social and religious customs 



96 The Sunday-School Century 

brought into harmonious and helpful Christian fellowship. 
In 1915 Dr. Tuttle resigned the superintendency to accept a 
position in connection with Grinnell College. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. A. C. Hacke, as director of religious education, 
elected by the state conference which had organized to take 
responsibihty for the work in the state. 



Michigan 

In the early settlement of Michigan the state received 
generous gifts of books from the Congregational Board of 
Publication, and Sunday-school Hterature from the Massa- 
chusetts Sabbath-School Society, and also the services of one 
of the early workers. Rev. G. W. Newcomb. Michigan was 
among the first states to take action in regard to the reorgani- 
zation of the Sunday-School Society, and for improving and 
strengthening its Sunday-school work. In 1881 the State 
Association secured a visit from Secretary A. E. Dunning, 
and a state committee of three was appointed for co-operation. 

In 1883 a memorial was presented from the Kalamazoo 
Association to the State Association, requesting that it " take 
up this work in the state in co-operation with the Congrega- 
tional PubHshing Society, and that a State Secretary be em- 
ployed who shall give his whole time to the work.'' 

The committee appointed for the purpose of carrying for- 
ward this arrangement consisted of Mr. E. K. Warren, of 
Three Oaks, Mr. George W. Keyes, of Olivet, and Rev. E. W. 
Miller, of CHnton. Rev. E. W. Miller was elected superin- 
tendent in 1884, and conducted the work with devotion and 
success. There were few rural communities, lumber villages 
or mining camps which he did not visit in the great develop- 
ing commonwealth. The foundations of many useful churches 
were laid in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. A vast 
quantity of literature was distributed; schools were encouraged 



State Development 97 

and helped to procure books, and exchange libraries were 
passed on from school to school. 

After seven years Mr. Miller reentered the pastorate, and 
in 1891 Supt. William Ewing of North Dakota was trans- 
ferred to Michigan. There had been great activity in mis- 
sionary extension, and a developing, strengthening, and 
educational work seemed necessary. A large number of 
branch Sunday-schools were organized, and workers were 
encouraged to foster these schools and bring them into 
affiHation with the churches. Emphasis was placed upon 
Sunday-school institutes and conferences in local associa- 
tions. 

Triennial Sunday-school conferences were held at Lansing, 
Greenville, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Pontiac, bringing 
together the strong ministers, Sunday-school workers and 
educators in the state, and also experts in Bible study and 
religious education from theological seminaries and prominent 
educational institutions. These conferences had a large 
influence in deepening interest in the best methods of religious 
education. Action was taken by the State Association in 
1895, in favor of graded instruction, and a committee was 
appointed, of which the state superintendent was chairman, 
to further this object. An outhne graded course of supple- 
mental lessons was prepared and endorsed by the Congrega- 
tional State Association and issued under the title, The 
Graded Sunday School and Course of Lessons for Teachers. 
Several editions of the outline were published, received wide 
circulation, and helped to start the movement for completely 
graded courses. 

The gifts for the society increased and Michigan became a 
generous contributor to the national work. 

Rev. W. A. Elhott assisted in the years 1892-93, to be 
followed by Rev. Joel Martin from 1894 to 1896; Rev. Fred 
Bagnall, 1900 to 1904; Rev. Fred Dahlberg, 1905 to 1908; 
all of whom labored principally in the Upper Peninsula. 



98 The Sunday-School Century 

Assistance was also given for brief periods by Rev. E. S. Shaw 
and Rev. Daniel Truman. 

On the retirement of Secretary George M. Boynton, D.D., 
in 1907, Superintendent Ewing was called to Boston and 
became missionary and extension secretary. 

With the reorganization of the Michigan Congregational 
Conference, it assumed responsibihty for directing the Sunday- 
school work, in co-operation with the national Society. Rev. 
C. H. Harger was employed as Sunday-school missionary for 
four years, beginning 1909, and was succeeded by Rev. F. W. 
Sass, in 1913, who for four years did much to foster and 
strengthen the needy schools of the state. 



Nebraska 

Almost coincident with the appointment of Rev. John L. 
Maile, in Colorado, Rev. Jeremiah D. Stewart, pastor at 
Hastings, became superintendent for Nebraska, January 1, 
1883. Mr. Stewart had taken a deep interest in general educa- 
tion, and had pursued the Chautauqua Normal and other 
Sunday-school courses, for the improvement of Sunday- 
school instruction. Mr. Stewart served as superintendent for 
thirty years, a longer period than any other worker in this 
office in one field, and during this period there were organized 
632 Sunday-schools. Institutes, conferences, and normal 
classes occupied a prominent place in his administration. 

A goodly number of faithful men were associated with him 
as helpers: Rev. J. E. Storm, 1888-89; Mr. H. D. Jackson, 
1890; Mr. C. D. Thompson, 1891; Rev. Charles G. Murphy, 
from 1898 until he was called to the superintendency in 
Oklahoma in 1900; Rev. E. L. Wismer, 1900-02; Rev. J. H. 
Beitel, 1901-05; Rev. L. 0. Pearson, 1902-11; Mr. A. E. 
Gunderson, 1902; Rev. J. T. Haight, 1903; Rev. Harry 
Tweedy, 1905; Rev. J. C. Noyce, 1906-09; Rev. W. D. King, 



State Development 99 

1910; Kev. F. L. Hall, 1912; also Miss Lillian M. Benker, 
1904-09. 

When Mr. Stewart desired to be released from the superin- 
tendency, he was requested to continue as acting superin- 
tendent, and did so until his successor was appointed. On the 
nomination of the State Committee of Nebraska, Rev. Seth 
H. Buell, of Grand Island, was elected to succeed Mr. Stewart. 
Mr. Buell had shown missionary interest and executive ability, 
as well as special adaptation for deepening interest in religious 
education. At the request of his successor and the state 
committee, and in accordance with the wishes of the society, 
Mr. Stewart remained in the service as a Sunday-school 
missionary during the summer months for three years, until 
suddenly summoned by death, in the midst of his activities. 

The value of the work upon the plastic communities, in 
material improvement as well as social and rehgious upUft, 
is beyond computation. Only eternity can reveal the results 
of his thirty-three years of state-wide leadership and service 
which had to do with spiritual hfe and Christian character. 
Mr. Buell made happy use of the fellowship and co-operation 
of his predecessor, which proved a valuable asset in the en- 
largement of the work. 

Kansas 

Kansas was among the earhest states to request the services 
of a worker, and Rev. Jeremiah E. Piatt, a professor of the 
State College, at Manhattan, was elected superintendent in 
1883, and in 1892 the newly opened Oklahoma Territory was 
added to his field for two years, when he resigned the work in 
Kansas to devote his entire time to the territory of Oklahoma. 

During Mr. Piatt's second year in Kansas he organized 
21 Sunday-schools, with a membership of about 1,175. In 
1886 ten Sunday-school institutes were held with very satis- 
factory results. This pioneering and educational work by 



100 The Sunday-School Century 

Professor Piatt indicates the character of the service. He had 
the missionary zeal of a Christian pioneer, and the educational 
instincts of a college professor. 

On the transfer of Superintendent Piatt to Oklahoma, Rev. 
WilKam L. Sutherland became superintendent for Kansas, 
in connection with Missouri, and when it became necessary 
to have a superintendent for each state, Mr. Sutherland was 
transferred to Kansas, where he served with great acceptance 
until conditions of health and an earnest call to a pastorate 
led to his resignation. 

Rev. Allen Shaw Bush, well equipped from Yale University 
and Divinity School, a successful pastor in Kansas, was as- 
sistant to Mr. Sutherland from 1895 until called to the superin- 
tendency in Colorado. 

Mr. Sutherland was followed in 1902 by Rev. J. Edward 
Ingham, who gave special attention to the increase of Sunday- 
school membership in all the schools of the state. Many 
institutes and conferences were held for improving the work 
and for winning the young people to Christian life. 

In 1909-12, Miss A. L. Trabue aided in a specially needy 
region in southeastern Kansas. 

In 1917 Mr. Ingham was transferred to Idaho and Rev. 
Fred Grey was elected district secretary for the state. 

NORTHWESTERN STATES 

South Dakota 

The work in that part of the territory which became the 
state of South Dakota was undertaken in 1886 by Rev. W. B. 
D. Gray. This was in the days when Dakota was in the 
making, and frontier conditions prevailed. Mr. Gray aroused 
interest in the East, as well as in the territory, for enlarging 
the work and soon secured a choice band of workers, laymen 
and ministers, the forerunners of a splendid company who 




Northwestern Superintendents 



Rev. WILLIAM B. D. GRAY Rev. ROBERT P. HERRICK. D.D. 

Rev. EDWIN H. STICKNEY, D.D. 
Rev. CHARLES M. DALEY Rev. SETH H. BUELL 



State Development 101 

helped in developing one of the best states in the Union. 
Among the laymen were Mr. H. M. Osgood, Mr. L. E. Her- 
rick, Mr. John Colvin, Mr. G. W. Crater, and Mr. B. P. Gray; 
and ministers. Rev. William S. Bell and Rev. Charles M. Daley, 
who afterwards became successful superintendents, and Rev. 
William McCready, whose special field was in the Black Hills 
region in the southwestern part of the state. 

Superintendent Gray and the Sunday-school interests were 
closely associated with the young and growing Yankton 
College. In 1893 Mr. Gray yielded to the invitation of this 
institution to devote himself to it for a time, and was 
succeeded by Rev. Charles M. Daley, who served as superin- 
tendent until 1908. In 1898 Mr. Daley, as chaplain, accom- 
panied a South Dakota regiment to the Philippines and 
rendered noble service to the boys at the front. The place 
in his absence was filled by the former superintendent, Mr. 
Gray. Mr. Daley had associated with him, at different 
periods, Rev. John Sattler for work among the German 
peoples, Rev. Harvey Lyman, Rev. J. E. Hughes, Rev. A. C. 
MiUer, Rev. F. W. Hart, Mr. T. B. Lathrop, and Rev. L. P. 
Putnam. After sixteen fruitful years Mr. Daley was trans- 
ferred to Wyoming, to be again associated with Superin- 
tendent Gray, and the superintendency was transferred to 
Superintendent Herrick in connection with Minnesota. The 
plan of employing a number of district workers was adopted 
for meeting the special emergencies resulting from the rapid 
influx of immigration. This plan included Rev. J. B. Reese, 
Rev. Emil Dietrich, Rev. J. E. Evans, Rev. A. C. Miller, 
Rev. V. Vavrina, Rev. G. E. Green, Rev. M. C. Haecker, 
Rev. D. W. Davis, Rev. D. M. Brown, Rev. Alec Russell, 
Rev. H. C. Van Valkenburgh, Rev. T. F. Gait, and Rev. R. 
B. Holden. 



102 The Sunday-School Century 

North Dakota 

While the vast territory of Dakota was undivided, and had 
its territorial capital at Yankton, the northern part had for 
many years no railway connection with the southern, and was 
more separated from it than some of the adjoining states. 
The early settlements were in the southern portion, and it was 
not until 1887 that the Sunday-School Society was represented 
by a worker in the part of the Territory which became the 
state of North Dakota. 

At the North Dakota Territorial Association, in 1886, a 
vote was passed requesting the Sunday-School Society to 
place a superintendent in the field, and nominated Rev. Wil- 
Ham Ewing, of Fargo. He accepted the position in 1887, and 
began at once to improve the work by means of institutes, 
conferences, and good literature. Superintendent Ewing 
was assisted by Rev. L. E. Brown, and students, Messrs. W. H. 
Gimblett and W. H. M. Adams. 

The territory was being settled with great rapidity by 
Scandinavians and Americans from the older states. Many 
communities were entirely destitute of religious services, and 
large numbers of Sunday-schools were estabhshed, averaging 
about three to each Congregational church. 

In 1891, after nearly five years of service, in which the 
territory had come to statehood, and Congregational work had 
developed rapidly, Mr. Ewing was called to the superin- 
tendency in Michigan. Rev. Edwin H. Stickney, who had 
been his associate since 1889, was elected superintendent and 
continued uninterruptedly the aggressive Sunday-school work 
in the state. 

Superintendent Stickney has had the assistance of Rev. 
E. E. Saunders, Mr. C. H. Gordon, Mr. F. S. Brewer, Mr. A. 
G. Young, Mr. Milton King, Rev. L. J. Pederson, Rev. N. C. 
Barrie, Rev. I. C. Miller, Mr. I. E. Pinney, Rev. C. C. Fair- 
banks, Rev. L. A. Sahlstrom, Rev. E. S. Shaw, Rev. E. E. 



State Development 103 

Smith, Rev. J. S. Rood, Rev. W. K. Bloom, Rev. Christian 
Foss, Rev. J. G. Dickey, and Mr. C. R. Dierlamm. 



Minnesota 

Minnesota furnished one of the great fields for Sunday- 
school effort, and in its early history received grants of litera- 
ture from the Sunday-School Society. Rev. Robert P. 
Herrick, a graduate of Dartmouth College and Hartford 
Theological Seminary, combining hterary abihty and a pas- 
sion for missionary service, was chosen superintendent in 
1889. His zeal did not diminish during the twenty-seven 
years of his continuous superintendency, even when faihng 
health called for some cessation of effort; and hfe suddenly 
closed while he was making plans for pressing forward the 
cause which he supremely loved. 

Dr. Herrick made selection of a number of workers who were 
destined to occupy a large place in other states, as well as 
in Minnesota. Among these Rev. W. L. Sutherland served 
for two years from 1891, until called to the superintendency 
of Missouri and Arkansas, and afterwards of Kansas. He 
returned to the state in 1911, where he served with devotion 
and ability as assistant superintendent, and at the death of 
Dr. Herrick, as acting superintendent. 

Rev. John C. Huntington served for six years, and was 
transferred to the superintendency of Texas and Louisiana, 
where he completed his life's work. 

Dr. Herrick took a deep interest in the Scandinavian people, 
who comprise a large percentage of the population, and secured 
the services of Rev. J. F. Okerstein, who labored among his 
Scandinavian brethren from 1895 to 1911. There were em- 
ployed for different periods Mr. H. K. Wingate, Rev. C. J. 
Sage, Rev. Carl Soderquist, Rev. J. A. Dahlgren, Rev. S. 
Stone, Rev. L. J. Pederson, Rev. E. C. Lyons, Rev. Allen 
Clark, Rev. C. E. Ebersol, Rev. T. W. Howard, Rev. A. S. 



104 The Sunday-School Century 

Parks, Rev. J. H. Clark, and several temporary workers. 
Rev. W. J. Conard, as a joint district missionary, entered the 
service in 1903, and did hard work faithfully until 1914. 

With the exception of Washington more schools were 
organized in Minnesota than in any other state. Grants 
of literature were made to large numbers of foreign peoples, 
whose first insight into American Christian life was through 
the work of the Sunday-School Society. The sum of $110,- 
508.13 expended has had much to do with laying Christian 
foundations in this great commonwealth. Churches and 
individuals have been generous in donations, which aggregate 
$49,957.33. 

MOUNTAIN STATES 

Colorado 

The " centennial state " was the first to receive a superin- 
tendent after the reorganization of the society. Rev. John L. 
Maile, commissioned August 14, 1882, began service November, 
1882. Mr. Maile had been deeply interested in the im- 
provement of Sunday-school work in Michigan, where he was 
an honored pastor. He attended the Sunday-school institutes 
in connection with the original Chautauqua Assembly, and 
was active in arousing the denomination to enlarge and 
improve its Sunday-school work. 

The first Sunday-school organized by the society under the 
new regime was gathered by Mr. Maile in Elyria, a suburb of 
Denver, in January, 1883. The first meetings were held in a 
tent secured for the purpose. Special services were held every 
evening for two weeks, and several conversions occurred, 
and a Sunday-school of twenty-four members was organized. 
The tent was blown down and destroyed, but the interest 
awakened by the Sunday-school led to the building of a chapel, 
and a church of sixteen members was organized, which in 




Mountain State Superintendents 



Rev. CHARLES N. FITCH Rev. ALLEN S. BUSH 

Rev. franklin J. ESTABROOK 
Rev. HERBERT E. LEE Rev. GREGORY J. POWELL, D.D. 



State Development 105 

eight months increased to eighty, while the Sunday-school 
numbered over two hundred. Thus, in a community without 
religious services, in sixteen months there grew a church of 
influence in the neighborhood. 

The work auspiciously begun by Mr. Maile was soon inter- 
rupted because he could not endure the high altitude, and he 
was transferred to Missouri in April, 1883. Mr. Maile's 
ability and standing are an index of the character of the men 
who were appointed to represent the society. 

The work in Colorado was continued by Rev. Harlan P. 
Case, who was called from the pastorate at Maysville and 
began his service in May, 1883. In five years he planted 
sixty schools with a membership of twenty-five hundred, and 
gave them constant fostering care. He also did valuable 
pioneering, and planted several schools in the territory of 
Wyoming. Suffering a breakdown in health, he made a 
visit to southern California, where he entered upon a successful 
career of over thirty years. 

Mr. Case was succeeded by Rev. George C. Woodruff, ap- 
pointed 1888, who served for one year and was followed by 
Rev. Charles N. Fitch, from 1889 to 1897. In 1889 Mr. Fitch 
was assisted by two Yale students, Mr. S. C. Brooks and Mr. 
A. W. Hitchcock, afterwards an honored pastor in New Eng- 
land, and in 1892 by Rev. F. H. Davis. Mr. Fitch was 
succeeded in 1897 by Rev. Allen Shaw Bush, who had already 
given splendid proof of his fitness by experience in Kansas. 

In 1906 assistance was given to Mr. Bush by Rev. G. A. 
ElHs, and in 1907 Miss Lucy A. Ward, in Routt County, 
nearly as large as the state of Massachusetts, did a brave 
and unique work. This service enlisted the interest of the 
Woman's Home Missionary Union of New York State, which 
devoted its gifts for some years to this field. The work in 
Routt County was taken in 1908 by Rev. Kate H. Haus, 
who continued until Utah was united with Colorado, under the 
supervision of Superintendent Bush, and special care was given 



106 The Sunday-School Century 

to Routt County, from 1910 to 1913, by Miss M. Alice Isely 
and Miss Anna N. Lewis, in connection with their work in 
Utah. 

Of the 535 Sunday-schools organized in the state by the 
assistance of the society, 313 were gathered during the ad- 
ministration of Mr. Bush. After seventeen years of most 
successful work, in which Mr. Bush greatly endeared himself 
to the entire state, he desired a respite from his strenuous 
labors. 

On the nomination of the state committee Rev. Franklin 
J. Estabrook, a member of the Committee on Religious Educa- 
tion of the National Council, who had occupied a prominent 
place in promoting religious education in the state, was elected 
state superintendent. 

Wyoming 

Rev. H. P. Case, on his appointment as superintendent for 
Colorado in 1882, was given supervision of the work in Wy- 
oming. Long rides were taken by stage and on horseback to 
Douglass, Lusk, Horse Creek, Little Laramie, and other points 
where Sunday-schools were organized and foundations laid 
which afterwards became prominent in Wyoming Congrega- 
tional history. 

When Mr. Case removed to Cahfornia, in 1887, his suc- 
cessors in Colorado, Rev. G. C. Woodruff, Rev. C. N. Fitch 
and Rev. A. S. Bush assisted in this state of great mountain 
ranges and immense distances. In 1893 Rev. A. T. Lyman, 
who succeeded Mr. McCready in the Black Hills of South 
Dakota, was given responsibility in northwestern Wyoming. 

In 1899 Rev. W. B. D. Gray, who had served with marked 
success in South Dakota, became superintendent for the 
Sunday-school and Home Missionary Societies for Wyoming. 

For three years Rev. J. M. Babcock and Rev. O. E. Reade 
assisted Mr. Gray until obliged to retire on account of im- 



State Development 107 

paired health, induced by hardships in the service. Mr. 
Gray was also assisted by his wife, Rev. Annette B. Gray, who 
for two years devoted part of her time to Sunday-school 
work. In 1910 Rev. Charles M. Daley, previously associated 
with Mr. Gray in South Dakota, came as assistant superin- 
tendent, and his wide experience proved of great value for 
three years, in which he frequently took the place of Superin- 
tendent Gray when he was called to represent the Societies 
in other sections of the country. When Mr. Daley was trans- 
ferred to Montana, assistance was given in Wyoming by Rev. 
L. P. Putnam and Rev. D. W. Tracy. 

The state has large numbers of small communities separated 
by mountain barriers and great distances, offering large 
opportunities for Sunday-school missionary effort, which will 
continue for many years to come. The vigorous leadership 
of Mr. Gray for nineteen years made a lasting impression on 
the state. 

Montana 

When Rev. William Ewing entered the service in North 
Dakota in 1887, Montana Territory, which then had feur 
newly organized Home Missionary churches, was included in 
his field. A few schools were organized, and the workers 
encouraged for two years until Rev. William S. Bell was elected 
superintendent for the Sunday-School and Home Missionary 
Societies, in 1889. 

At this period ranching and mining were the principal 
industries; the territory had but a meager permanent popula- 
tion, and lawless frontier conditions prevailed. During the 
seventeen years of Mr. Bell's superintendence, the number of 
churches became nineteen, besides twenty-three mission 
Sunday-schools. He was assisted for brief periods by Mr. 
E. C. Ford, in 1902, and by Mr. V. W. Roth, in 1906. 

Mr. Bell was succeeded in the Sunday-school work by Rev. 
E. H. Stickney for two years in connection with North Dakota. 



108 The Sunday-School Century 

The territory had become a rapidly growing state, and was 
ready for Sunday-school expansion. Rev. Joseph Pope was 
an assistant to the superintendents for seven years and made a 
deep impression for righteousness, temperance, and the en- 
forcement of the law. On these issues he was elected to the 
legislature, where he wielded a most wholesome influence. 
Rev. E. E. Smith, of North Dakota, assisted in southeastern 
Montana from 1907 to 1909, when he was transferred to 
northern Montana, until his removal to California in 1913. 
Rev. E. S. Shaw also gave part of his time to meet special 
needs in northeastern Montana. Rev. W. J. Spire spent 
part of 1909 in a vast, new region just opened for settlement. 

During the superintendency of Dr. Stickney, a large number 
of Sunday-schools were organized, from which churches grew 
with great rapidity. It became clear that a resident superin- 
tendent was needed in Montana, and in 1909 Rev. G. J. Powell 
was chosen joint superintendent for the Home Missionary 
and Sunday-School Societies. The rapid expansion was 
accelerated by the superintendency of Dr. Powell and the 
splendid company of workers selected by him. 

On the retirement of Mr. Pope, Rev. H. 0. Johnson was 
elected for evangelistic and Sunday-school service. A valua- 
ble work was accomplished in 1914 by Rev. J. K. Arnot, who 
was aided by the Society in securing an automobile which 
enabled him to reach and help in a large region around his 
church at Musselshell. Rev. CM. Daley, a veteran of the 
society in South Dakota and Wyoming, was transferred to 
Montana, where he continued the work with unabated energy 
until 1916, when he closed his twenty-eight years of most 
successful work with the society, and Rev. C. K. Stockwell 
became his successor. Rev. George N. Edwards, who had 
shown deep interest and ability in Sunday-school work in 
Oregon was called to assist Superintendent Powell as a joint 
worker. 

This vast state, the third in size in the Union, has required 



State Development 109 

to have a large number of schools reorganized because of its 
changing population connected with ranching and mining 
interests. Since the work began 367 schools have been 
gathered by the workers of the Sunday-School Society. 
With few exceptions the ninety-four churches now in existence 
have grown from these schools. There have been expended 
$55,327.70 in planting and developing Sunday-schools. When 
it is remembered how much this means for all time in ''Mighty 
Montana/' which is destined to be one of the great states of 
the Union, it may well be considered a splendid investment 
in Kingdom building. 

Idaho {Northern) 

The state of Idaho extends from Utah to the Canadian 
line, a distance of over six hundred miles. For lack of rail- 
ways and because of the mountain ranges, the northern part 
is united with Washington, as it is more accessible than from 
the southern part of the state. Dea. G. R. Andrus, when a 
missionary in eastern Washington, organized Sunday-schools 
at important centers, and when Rev. Samuel Greene was 
appointed superintendent for Washington, he was also given 
responsibility for northern Idaho. In 1891 Mr. W. G. Trower 
labored here for a time. On the resignation of Deacon Andrus, 
Rev. Edwin J. Singer took his place, until called to the superin- 
tendency of northern California, in 1898. Rev. J. T. Percival, 
appointed in 1898, divided his work between eastern Washing- 
ton and northern Idaho. In 1899 Rev. George Kindred 
labored for a few months, and in 1900 Rev. A. R. Johnson 
took up the Sunday-school tasks with great earnestness in 
northern Idaho, where he spent five and one-half years, and 
laid down his life in the service, deeply regretted by all. His 
work was taken in 1906 by Rev. R. D. Nicholls, and after two 
years he was succeeded by Rev. C. W. Bushnell for three years. 
In 1910 Rev. J. N. Pendleton began a successful service in 



110 The Sunday-School Century 

northern Idaho and eastern Washington, which continued 
with increasing influence for five years. 

On the resignation of Dr. Greene, in 1910, Rev. John H. 
Matthews took the superintendency of northern Idaho in 
connection with Washington. The conditions have been of a 
frontier character, but many of the settlers in mining camps, 
lumber communities, and agricultural districts are people of 
culture, and receptive of the best things. Each worker has 
been a strong character; many difficulties have been met, and 
much has been accomplished. 



Idaho (Southern) 

In 1897 Rev. Herbert A. Lee was commissioned for south- 
ern Idaho, a territory larger than the whole of New England. 
Mr. Lee and his devoted wife, with the " outfit " furnished 
by the Sunday-School Society, visited hundreds of communi- 
ties, leaving always good literature and a gospel message. 
After thirteen years of devoted work Mr. Lee retired and was 
succeeded by Rev. Ludwig Thomsen as joint superintendent 
for the Sunday-School and Home Missionary Societies in 
southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Mr. Thomsen brought 
to the service a well-trained mind and a rich experience in 
preaching and teaching. After five successful years he re- 
entered pastoral and educational work in Utah, and was 
succeeded in 1916 by Rev. Arthur J. SuUens, in connection 
with Oregon. 

Utah 

Through the workers of the New West Educational Com- 
mission, later the Congregational Education Society, Utah 
was helped by grants of literature and encouragement in 
Sunday-school extension. Frequent appeals were made for 
more direct field service, which led to the appointment of 



State Development 111 

Miss M. AKce Isely in 1909 for Utah and Routt County, 
Colorado, under the direction of Superintendent Bush, who 
was given supervision for Utah in connection with Colorado. 
Miss Isely was a successful teacher of the Education Society, 
knew and loved the people of Utah, Gentiles and Mormons, 
and was respected and trusted by both. After two years of 
efficient service, the care of aged parents made it necessary 
for her to discontinue. 

Miss Isely was succeeded by Miss Anna N. Lewis, who, for 
a year and a half, as a helper to Superintendent Bush, gave 
special attention to the improving of existing schools and the 
cultivation of teacher training, in Utah and Colorado. 

The work in the state is difficult, and progress is slow, but 
sure foundations have been laid. The Mormon Church has 
an elaborate, graded Sunday-school system, and a successful 
Sunday-school work requires the best possible educational 
equipment, and use of the best literature. The workers of 
the society have kept in touch with " Gentiles " surrounded 
by Mormons and tried to foster their Christian life by cor- 
respondence and literature. 

By the aid of the Society there have been 13 schools or- 
ganized, and $2,349.58 expended in 555 grants of Hterature. 
The new state has shown its appreciation of the service ren- 
dered by contributing $1,275.95 toward the $8,237.50 which 
have been expended for missionary service and hterature by 
the Society since 1882. 

Arizona and New Mexico 

The territories of New Mexico and Arizona had a few 
interesting fields under the care of the Home Missionary 
Society and a number of schools of the Congregational Educa- 
tion Society, which were aided for some years with grants of 
literature by the Sunday-School Society. 

In 1896 Supt. H. P. Case of southern Cahfornia made an 



112 The Sunday-School Century 

extended journey to Arizona, and from that time the territory- 
received his attention, in connection with southern California, 
until the appointment of Rev. George W. Chatfield in 1907, 
who served for two years as superintendent for Arizona, New 
Mexico, and the " Panhandle " of Texas. 

Upon the retirement of Mr. Chatfield, Superintendent Case 
again had responsibility for Arizona, and Superintendent 
Murphy of Oklahoma, Rev. W. H. Hurlbut, and other helpers 
from the ^' Panhandle " of Texas gave what assistance they 
could to New Mexico. During the superintendency of Mr. 
Case, he and his associates organized 29 schools, each of 
them in a community which was destitute of Sunday-school 
privileges. 

In 1897-8, Mr. Juan Soza, a missionary among Spanish- 
speaking peoples, devoted part of his time to Sunday-school 
work. In 1906 Rev. Edmund Owens began service in a large 
and destitute region around Humboldt, Arizona, and continued 
for two years, in the midst of many changes and difficulties. 
Mr. Elmer Elmquist for a time served the Humboldt group of 
Sunday-schools, and was followed by Rev. A. L. Seward, 
from 1912 to 1915, when the work was taken by Rev. P. L. 
Perry. This large and interesting district around Humboldt, 
some fifty miles in extent, in which the Sunday-school work 
has an important part, was left to the care of the Congrega- 
tional denomination. 

Rev. A. J. Benedict began his labors for the society in 
1909, and has strengthened and encouraged the Sunday-school 
work, in connection with the small and scattered churches in 
the southern section of Arizona, often ministering to those who 
were far removed from an}^ other religious privileges. 

For twelve 3^ears the Christian work of the territories, which 
became states in 1912, has been greatly strengthened by Rev. 
J. H. Heald, D.D., superintendent for the Home Missionary 
and Education Societies, who most heartily cooperates with 
the Sunday-school workers. Yielding to his and other en- 





Pacific Coast Superintendents 



Rev. SAMUEL GREENE, D.D. 
Rev. JOHN H. MATTHEWS 
Rev. CHARLES H. CURTIS 



Rev. LOYAL L. WIRT, Ph.D. 

Rev. EDWIN J. SINGER 

Rev. HOWARD N. SMITH 



State Development 113 

treaties, in 1912 the society appointed Rev. Herbert A. Deck 
superintendent for the two states, in conjunction with the 
Home Missionary Society. Mr. Deck did an excellent work 
until 1915, when he was constrained to take a pastorate. 

These states have a large percentage of Spanish peoples, 
and offer an unHmited opportunity for greatly needed Sunday- 
school work. The difficulties are great and the progress 
slow, but the adjoining Mexican repubhc, as well as the two 
states, can be helped if the work is well sustained. 

PACIFIC COAST STATES 

Washington 

On the Pacific Coast, as in many other sections of the 
country, the first to ask earnestly for the appointment of 
field workers were the superintendents of the Home Mission- 
ary Society. Rev. George H. Atkinson, superintendent for 
Oregon and Washington, early applied for the assistance of 
the Sunday-School Society. He was furnished with grants of 
literature and workers were appointed for brief periods in 
his field. 

With the beginning of the great rush into Washington 
Territory, in 1885, Dea. G. R. Andrus was appointed and 
proved a faithful missionary, working in the eastern section 
of the state until he closed his labors in 1890. 

Rev. Samuel Greene was called into the service in 1887 and 
soon became one of the most prominent Christian statesmen 
in the development of this great territory. In addition to 
Washington he had supervision in northern Idaho; he also 
rendered assistance in Oregon at different periods. It would 
be difficult to over-estimate the devoted services of Dr. 
Greene for twenty-three years in the territory and new state. 
With unflagging zeal he devoted his splendid executive ability 
and foresight to organizing Sunday-schools and bringing 



114 The Sunday-School Century 

Christian training to multitudes of young people. Many of 
the schools which he planted have become the most useful 
churches in the state. 

Among those who served with Dr. Greene for brief periods 
or for a number of years, and with profit to the state, were 
Rev. R. A. Rowley, Rev. E. J. Singer, Mr. W. G. Nelson, 
Rev. W. E. Young, Rev. O. L. Fowler, Rev. G. H. Lee, Rev. 
W. L. Dawson, Rev. W. C. Wise, Rev. H. W. Young, Rev. 
G. P. Merrill, Rev. H. F. Burgess, and Rev. J. T. Percival, 
who was " Asa BuUard Missionary " from 1898 to 1909. 
Rev. J. M. Dick began service in 1903, and was made ** Asa 
Bullard Missionary " on the retirement of Mr. Percival, and 
did honor to this position. Rev. J. L. Hershner did a strong 
work from 1906 to 1912, especially on the northern shore of the 
Columbia River. Rev. C. W. Bushnell began work in Wash- 
ington in 1907, and was transferred to northern Idaho in 
1908. Rev. J. N. Pendleton in 1910 entered upon his fruitful 
service in eastern Washington and northern Idaho, continuing 
until 1916. 

On the retirement of Dr. Greene, who, because of advancing 
years, desired release from the heavy burdens. Rev. John H. 
Matthews, on the nomination of the State Committee of 
Washington, was elected superintendent for Washington and 
northern Idaho. Mr. Matthews had specialized in Sunday- 
school methods and leadership, and after the period of rapid 
development and the strong aggressive missionary activities 
of Superintendent Greene, the field was ripe for his efforts in 
strengthening and developing as well as extending the work. 

There have been 951 Sunday-schools organized in the state 
by means of the workers of the Society. This number is in 
excess of that in any other state. There have been 8,479 
grants of literature at a cost of $22,739.03 and $122,831.60 
expended in missionary service, a total of $145,570.63. This 
new state has contributed to the society $33,674.20. 

A visit to the well-equipped Sunday-schools and the beauti- 



State Development 115 

ful churches which have grown from this judicious planting 
is a clear proof of the wisdom of the large investments made in 
this great new state. 



Oeegon 

The wise interest of Dr. Atkinson, superintendent of the 
American Home Missionary Society, led to early service in 
this state by grants of literature and assistance by a number of 
workers. Dr. Atkinson was among the first to see the need 
of special representatives of the Sunday-School Society. 

In 1886 Rev. Amos N. Bower was elected superintendent, 
but served only a brief period. Until 1890 the work was 
associated with Washington, and Rev. G. A. Rockwood, Mr. 
A. B. Snider, Rev. W. F. Rose, Rev. Joseph Wolfe, and Rev. 
E. P. Roberts were employed at different periods. In 1890 
Rev. Charles H. Curtis, of Lysander, New York, was elected 
superintendent, and served four years. He had for assistants 
Mr. J. B. Hughes, Rev. H. F. Burgess, Mr. W. A. Bond, Rev. 
William Smith, and Rev. J. L. Hershner. 

On the resignation of Mr. Curtis to accept a pastorate, 
Rev. Ralph A. Rowley was transferred from Washington, and 
served until 1902. During this period Rev. Martin Burlin- 
game and Rev. J. W. Bryant were employed for a short time, 
and Rev. M. C. Munson from 1895 to 1907. 

Rev. Howard N. Smith was called to the superintendency 
in 1902, and with fidelity served for twelve years. At different 
times during this period Rev. Richard Brown, Rev. H. C. 
Cleveland, Rev. O. A. Stillman, and Rev. William Upshaw 
were his assistants. In 1906 Rev. Mark C. Davis began his 
unique and useful work for the southwestern section of the 
state. By means of bicycle, motor-cycle, and many long 
journeys on foot when no swifter means could be provided, 
he ministered to many communities which otherwise were 
entirely destitute of religious privileges. In the fertile but 



116 The Sunday-School Century 

lonely valleys he often held the first religious service in settle- 
ments which had been established from ten to fifty years. 

In the interest of economy Oregon and Washington were 
again united in 1914, Supt. J. H. Matthews and Rev. J. M. 
Dick sharing their services between the two states. 



California (Southern) 

In 1887 Rev. H. P. Case, superintendent for Colorado, 
broken in health, made a visit to southern California for the 
purpose of rest. He found, however, work at hand, and en- 
tered earnestly into it. Finding great benefit from the cli- 
mate, and receiving urgent requests to remain, he took the 
superintendency in California, May, 1887. There was no 
representative of the Society in the northern part of the state, 
and he cooperated with the Northern Congregational Asso- 
ciation, until the appointment of Rev. Loyal L. Wirt, in 1890. 
Mr. Case then devoted his entire efforts to southern Cah- 
fornia until 1896, when the territory of Arizona was added 
to his field. 

For twenty-five years he carried the work alone, apart from 
service for a short period by Rev. L. N. Barber, in 1893-4. 
During this time Mr. Case assisted in organizing 461 Sunday- 
schools, and aided these and other needy schools with 3,218 
grants of literature. 

In these years southern California passed through many 
transitions, with rapid developments and times of depression 
succeeding each other. The changes necessitated the or- 
ganization of a large number of schools, many of which re- 
quired frequent reorganization. 

Mr. Case resigned the superintendency in 1913, and the 
state was put under the direction of Rev. Miles B. Fisher, 
with Mr. Case remaining a missionary of the society which 
he has served so long with love and devotion. 



State Development 117 

California (Northern) 

The entire state of California received the attention of 
Superintendent Case when he was transferred from Colorado 
in 1887. He organized five schools in Fresno and Tulare 
Counties, and aided the schools of many newly organized 
churches. It was early recognized that this vast state should 
be divided Congregationally, and Rev. Loyal L. Wirt, who 
had served the society as a student in vacations, became 
superintendent of northern California in 1890. He found a 
great field ripe for the work of the Sunday-School Society. 
Hundreds of communities were destitute of religious services, 
and, with a passion for missionary pioneering, Mr. Wirt 
organized large numbers of schools. Many of them could not 
be followed by churches of the Congregational, or any other, 
denomination, but the seed was sown, and good Uterature was 
placed in thousands of homes. 

Mr. Wirt was aided for short periods by Mr. R. W. New- 
lands, Mr. Howard Patterson, Miss Florence Yarrow, Miss 
Grace Scott, and from 1892 to 1896 by Rev. W. H. Cooke. 
In 1898 Mr. Wirt accepted the joint superintendency for the 
Sunday-School and Home Missionary Societies, in the terri- 
tory of Alaska. He was succeeded by Rev. E. J. Singer, who 
had gained experience in Washington. Mr. Singer had as 
assistants at different times Rev. R. B. Cherington, Rev. 
R. C. Day, Rev. J. A. Benton, and Rev. Miles B. Fisher. 

When Mr. Singer resigned in 1908, the appointment of 
Rev. Miles B. Fisher met the demands for improved methods, 
and also for Sunday-school extension. Mr. Fisher had 
specialized in religious education in Sunday-school work, and 
at once took a leading place in this department. In 1910 he 
was made educational secretary for the Sunday-School 
Society for the Pacific Coast, in connection with the superin- 
tendency for northern California and Nevada. He also 
gave instruction in the Pacific Theological Seminary, helping 



118 The Sunday-School Century 

to equip the ministry for greater efficiency in religious educa- 
tion. 

Mr. Fisher was assisted by Rev. William Louch, Rev. 
Huber Burr, and Rev. E. J. Singer, who re-entered the service 
in 1913. There was also an important Sunday-school work 
done among foreign peoples, jointly with the Home Mission- 
ary Society, by Rev. G. Gazarian among the Armenians, and 
Rev. J. G. Eckhardt among the German people. On the 
readjustment of the work in southern California in 1913, Mr. 
Fisher was given supervision of the entire state. This he 
carried on successfully until called to the missionary secretary- 
ship of the national organization in 1917. 

THE SOUTHWEST 

Missouri 

Among the early undertakings of the Massachusetts Sab- 
bath-School Society, grants of literature and missionary ser- 
vice were given in the Southwest, especially in Missouri. In 
1830, Rev. Artemus Bullard made a visit to the Mississippi 
Valley, and stimulated interest both east and west. 

In 1839 the managers of the Missouri Sunday-School Union 
requested the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society to aid 
them in extending their operations. At a special meeting of 
the board it was voted to comply with the request. The 
General Congregational Association of Massachusetts en- 
dorsed the action of the board, and funds were sohcited for 
the purpose. The report of the society for 1841 states: 

" Those who have contributed to aid the cause of Sabbath- 
schools in the newer and less favored portions of our beloved 
country have good reason to believe that they have been 
laboring in a good cause. They have helped, not only to 
revive and encourage many schools already existing in 
Missouri, but to estabHsh between fifty and sixty new schools." 




Southwestern Superintendents 



Rev. WILLIAM L. SUTHERLAND Rev. J. EDWARD INGHAM 

Rev. CHARLES G. MURPHY, D.D. 
Rev. GEORGE W. CHATFIELD Rev. JOHN B. GONZALES 



State Development 119 

In 1883 Rev. John L. Maile was transferred from Colorado 
to Missouri, and served with much success for a year and a 
half. During the period he organized eleven new schools, 
with nine hundred members, and from these, five churches 
developed. He held many Sunday-school institutes, and 
gave addresses in all parts of the state, which aroused and 
deepened interest in Sunday-school work. 

In 1888 Rev. H. C. Cronin was made superintendent for 
the field including Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian Territory, 
and served until 1894. On his retirement. Rev. William L. 
Sutherland, connected with the society in Minnesota, was 
appointed superintendent, and Kansas was added to this 
field. With fidelity and ability he served until, the work 
having developed, it was made clear that a division was neces- 
sary. Mr. Sutherland was appointed for Kansas, and Rev. 
James P. O'Brien, pastor of the Tabernacle Church, Kansas 
City, was called to the superintendency, in 1901, for Missouri 
and Arkansas, and supervision of Indian Territory until it 
was united with Oklahoma. 

In meeting the special needs in the Ozark region. Superin- 
tendent O'Brien was aided by Rev. H. W. Lambert, Miss 
Olive B. Wygal, and Miss Emma A. Kautsky. 

Under the leadership of Dr. O'Brien, those associated with 
him, and the Missouri Sunday-School Committee, many of 
the schools reached a high standard of efficiency. Schools 
of methods were conducted, institutes held, and the Sunday- 
school work brought into close connection with the best 
educational institutions. In 1908 Dr. O'Brien was made 
educational secretary for the Southwest and South. In all 
parts of this vast field by addresses and correspondence, and 
in cooperation with the strongest leaders in the different 
states, he did an important work which gives large promise 
for the future. 



120 The Sunday-School Century 

Oklahoma 

In the early settlement in Oklahoma Territory, Superin- 
tendent J. E. Piatt of Kansas did successful pioneering, and 
aided in planting a number of schools. He was transferred 
to the territory in 1894, and labored there until his death in 
1899. 

In the busy, rushing days of preparation for statehood in 
1899, Rev. Joel Harper gave valuable assistance. Rev. 
Charles G. Murphy, who had served the society in Nebraska, 
was called to the superintendency in 1900, and gave his time 
wholly to the Sunday-school work until 1907. In that year, 
on account of special conditions, he was constrained to accept 
the joint superintendency for the Sunday-School and Home 
Missionary Societies, and in the following year the " Pan- 
handle '^ of Texas was also placed under his care. This 
arrangement continued until 1912, when, by mutual agree- 
ment, it was considered best that each society should have the 
entire time of a superintendent, and Oklahoma, Texas, and 
Louisiana were united in one field for the Sunday-school work, 
under the care of Superintendent Murphy. To meet the 
marvelous growth of the new state a number of helpers were 
employed: Rev. S. H. Seccombe, 1905; Rev. L. J. Parker, 
1906-11; Rev. W. 0. Rogers, 1907-08; Rev. W. H. Hurlbut, 
1907-09; Rev. J. W. Foster, 1909-12. 

Oklahoma and Indian Territory united in becoming a state 
in 1907. In the period immediately leading up and subse- 
quent to statehood, there were many and rapid transitions, 
almost unprecedented. Churches had much to do in shaping 
the poHtical and educational, as well as moral and rehgious, 
institutions. In this the representatives of the society, 
especially under the lead of Dr. Murphy, had their full share 
in elevating the standard of religious education, and bringing 
into closer co-operation the workers in different denomina- 
tions. The marvelous development of Oklahoma is like a 




Southwestern and Mountain State Superintendents 
Rev. henry C. CRONIN Rev. JOHN C. HUNTINGTON 

Rev. LUDWIG THOMSEN 
Rev. HERBERT A. DECK Rev. S. EDWARD LYND. Ph.D. 



State Development 121 

romance and the Sunday-School Society had a worthy part 
in transforming a wilderness into a progressive and enter- 
prising Christian commonwealth. 

Texas 

In Texas, as in most of the other states, grants of Hterature 
were made and occasional service given before a regular worker 
was appointed. In 1899 Rev. J. C. Huntington, who had 
been a missionary of the Society in Minnesota for six years, 
was made superintendent for Texas and Louisiana. Mr. 
Huntington proved a faithful pioneer, and endured hardship 
as a good soldier, until his earthly labors closed in 1906. He 
is remembered in many communities with love and gratitude. 

In this vast field there was at this period a rapid develop- 
ment in Sunday-school work. During the superintendency of 
Mr. Huntington many workers were employed, who reached 
communities which hitherto had httle or no Sunday-school 
privileges: Rev. W. Z. Whiddon, 1899-1900; Mr. A. F. C. 
Kirchner, 1901-04; Mr. W. R. Newton, 1902-03; Rev. J. C. 
Calhoun, 1904-07; and for short periods. Rev. E. H. Kuhl, 
Rev. S. H. Seccombe, Rev. J. C. Dazey, Rev. H. L. Saunders, 
Rev. A. J. Smith, Rev. G. A. Smith, and Rev. George Wil- 
liamson. 

In 1907 Rev. John B. Gonzales was made joint superin- 
tendent for the Sunday-School and Home Missionary Societies 
for Louisiana and Texas, with the exception of the " Pan- 
handle." During his administration a number of joint 
workers were employed in Texas: Rev. W. H. Weatherby, 
1906-07; Rev. Clarence Beard, 1906-08; Rev. T. H. Triplett 
and Rev. H. J. Hefner, 1907-08. 

The " Panhandle " 

The distances in Texas are so enormous that it seemed 
expedient to separate the northwestern part, called the 



122 The Sunday-School Century 

" Panhandle," and associate it with New Mexico and Arizona. 
In 1905 Rev. George W. Chatfield became superintendent, 
and for three years did the work of a faithful missionary. 
After planting and fostering a goodly number of schools, Mr. 
Chatfield resigned to accept a pastorate. 

In 1908 Rev. Charles G. Murphy was given charge of the 
" Panhandle " in connection with Oklahoma. By the gener- 
ous gifts and personal interest of Mr. E. K. Warren, of Michi- 
gan, excellent workers were employed: Rev. L. J. Parker, in 
connection with Oklahoma, 1906-11; Rev. Fred Dahlberg 
for a brief period; Rev. W. 0. Rogers, 1910-11; Rev. W. A. 
Hensel, 1911-13; Rev. W. H. Hurlbut and Mrs. W. H. Hurl- 
but, who began service in 1909 and continued; Rev. O. T. 
Wattenbarger, 1913-15; Rev. C. J. Kellner, 1913-14; and 
Rev. K. K. Clark, 1914. 

Some of these workers were pastors of the new churches 
which have been the result of Sunday-school effort. They 
adjusted their work especially to interest the children and 
youth of the entire community and supplied Sunday-school 
nurture as widely as possible in the new settlements by which 
they were surrounded. The plan adopted in the '* Pan- 
handle " was to cultivate intensively a few fields, making 
Sunday-school and church work of such quality as to unite all 
kinds of people. 

The generous benefactor who provided so largely for the 
work is emphatically a Sunday-school man, and desired the 
Sunday-School Society to take in large measure the re- 
sponsibiHty even when it passed beyond the elementary Sun- 
day-school stage. 

A strong, helpful work was accomplished in the midst of 
peculiar difficulties, and foundations laid which give promise 
for all time. 

In 1911 the Sunday-school work of Texas was united and 
placed under the supervision of Dr. Murphy, in connection 
with Oklahoma and Louisiana. This vast field requires strong 



State Development 123 

leadership that an intellectual and spiritual uplift might be 
given to the entire work through local associations, state 
conferences, and institutes with groups of churches. The 
region is so vast that there will be opportunity for Sunday- 
school extension and improvement for generations to come. 

Louisiana 

Although Louisiana is a southern state, it has been asso- 
ciated for Sunday-school work with the Southwest. The 
first worker to be employed was a student, Mr. C. B. Martin, 
engaged for the summer, in 1889. The first superintendent 
was Rev. J. C. Huntington, who was appointed in 1899 in 
connection with Texas, continuing until his death. Mr. A. 
Lawless served for the summer in 1906; and Rev. W. Z. 
Whiddon seven months in 1899 and five months in 1900; Mr. 
A. F. C. Kirchner for three months in 1901 ; Rev. J. C. Cal- 
houn, 1904-07; and Rev. C. C. McCoy for five months in 
1906. Rev. John B. Gonzales became joint superintendent 
for the Sunday-School and Home Missionary Societies in 
1907 for Louisiana and Texas, and for four years did a strong, 
aggressive work for Sunday-school extension and improvement. 

In 1911, on the retirement of Mr. Gonzales to re-enter the 
pastorate. Rev. Charles G. Murphy became superintendent 
for the district, including Louisiana. White and colored 
Sunday-schools alike soon looked to him for leadership and 
help. Under his direction Mr. Edward H. Phillips, a con- 
secrated layman, gave much time for the encouragement and 
help of the colored schools. 

The society helped to organize 119 Sunday-schools in desti- 
tute communities in the state, and gave aid by means of 416 
grants of literature. The schools were subject to change, 
and some of them were short-lived, but earnest efforts were 
put forth in the midst of difficulties and good results have been 
manifest. 



124 The Sunday-School Century 

The South 

The work in the South was early in the plans of the Sunday- 
School Society, and churches were helped by grants of htera- 
ture and occasional visits. The schools of the American 
Missionary Association and other societies were early aided 
in this way. But the first superintendent of the Society was 
Rev. WilUam Shaw, elected for Georgia, Alabama, and 
Florida in 1888. 

In these states the Congregational churches were few and 
weak. The churches of the South, of all denominations, had 
depended largely upon evangelistic effort rather than educa- 
tional methods. The Society was greatly needed for strength- 
ening the Congregational churches and institutions, and it 
was also helpful to the interdenominational work. 

Mr. Shaw was in thorough sympathy with the South and its 
religious sentiments, and labored faithfully for nine years. 
He did much to stimulate the Sunday-schools and bring the 
Congregational churches into touch with the denominational 
hfe through its literature and contact with the workers from 
different parts of the country. In Alabama he was assisted 
for a time by Rev. S. P. Brown, and in Florida and Georgia by 
Rev. C. W. Frazer. 

On the termination of the services of Mr. Shaw in 1897, a 
change in policy was inaugurated, and Rev. A. T. Clarke was 
appointed in Alabama, and Rev. J. F. Blackburn in Georgia, 
to devote part of their time to Sunday-school interests with 
the title of Correspondent. This arrangement continued 
until 1902. Rev. Mason Noble did a similar work in Florida 
from 1899 to 1900. This plan as a temporary expedient 
was successful. 

In 1902 an arrangement was made for joint superintendents 
in connection with the Home Missionary Society: Rev. A. T. 
Clarke, D.D., was employed for Alabama, and Rev. J. F. 
Blackburn for Georgia. In 1907 Mr. Blackburn's field was 




Central and Southeastern Superintendents 

Hev. JOHN F. BLACKBURN Rev. GEORGE B. WALDRON 

Rev. CHARLES L. FISK 
Hev. JAMES M. GRAHAM Rev. WILLIAM O. BERCKMAN 



State Development 125 

enlarged to include Florida; and in 1912 Florida became a 
separate field under the direction of Rev. George B. Waldron, 
and North and South Carolina were added to Georgia, under 
Superintendent Blackburn. The states of North and South 
Carolina had previously received assistance in 1895 from Rev. 
Caleb C. Collins. North Carohna was served several winters 
by Captain George W. Lane, a native of the state, while doing 
work for the society on the coast of Maine in the summers. 

In 1898 Rev. Asher W. Curtis, D.D., was appointed cor- 
respondent, and made superintendent in 1901, holding that 
office until advancing age led to release, and the superin- 
tendency for the two states was taken by Mr. Blackburn. 
Dr. Curtis, however, continued as a correspondent with the 
schools with which he was so familiar, and aided them in 
procuring literature. 

In Alabama, in 1902, Rev. A. T. Clarke, D.D., who had 
been correspondent, was made superintendent and served for 
five years, having also the supervision of Mississippi. In 
1907 Dr. Clarke retired, and the place was taken by Rev. 
Elmer W. Butler, and in 1910 Tennessee was added. He 
served the three states until 1913, when he accepted a pastor- 
ate, and the superintendency for Alabama, Tennessee, and 
Mississippi was transferred to Rev. J. M. Graham, a graduate 
of Atlanta Theological Seminary. Mr. Graham did a strong 
work for three years and was called to take a professorship 
in his Alma Mater, and was succeeded by Rev. Charles T. 
Rogers. 

The first work in Tennessee was done by Mr. John Farrar, 
who labored with great zeal for a few months each year from 
1885 to 1889. He found a needy field, and as a result of his 
work, 188 Sunday-schools were formed. 

A similar work was done in Kentucky by Rev. M. 
N. Sumner in the years 1888-89. The first superintendent 
elected was Rev. Gilbert Walton in 1893, in connection with 
the American Missionary Association. He resigned in 1907 



126 The Sunday-School Century 

and was succeeded in Tennessee first by Rev. Elmer W. Butler, 
and later by Rev. J. M. Graham. On the retirement of Rev. 
Gilbert Walton the work in Kentucky was placed with that of 
Ohio under the direction of Dr. McMillen, who was aided by 
Rev. B. M. Southgate from 1908 to 1910. After the death of 
Dr. McMillen in 1911, Rev. Charles L. Fisk was made superin- 
tendent for Ohio, with the oversight also of Kentucky. Later 
Rev. W. O. Berckman was added as a joint worker for the 
mountain regions of Kentucky and Tennessee. 

In the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, 
Florida, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, 1,004 schools 
were organized, 3,073 aided, with 6,471 grants of hterature. 
In many parts of this field Sunday-school work was entirely 
new, and in all parts needed to be fostered. 

The Sunday-school work has done much to unite the 
Christian sentiment of North and South. While the workers 
for the most part have been from the North, and cherished its 
best ideals, they have been thoroughly identified with the 
South. Rev. J. M. Graham is a worthy son of the Southland 
by birth and training. Rev. J. F. Blackburn was born in 
Springfield, Ilhnois, next door to the home of Abraham Lin- 
coln, and the great future president often took him, when a 
baby, affectionately on his knee, but by mutual adoption he 
is a genuine representative of the South. 

The first district educational secretary appointed by the 
Society, Rev. J. P. O'Brien, D.D., was given responsibihty 
in the South as well as the Southwest and secured the 
interest and cooperation of the southern churches, irrespec- 
tive of race or color. Much has been accomphshed in each 
state, and foundations laid for needed extension of rehgious 
education, which is eagerly welcomed by the South. 

New Yoek District 

When New York was considered a part of the great West, 
the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Union aided its Sunday- 




Southern Superintendents 



Rev. ALMON T. CLARKE, D.D. 



Rev. ASHER W. CURTIS, D.D. 



Rev. CHARLES T. ROGERS 



Rev. ELMER W. BUTLER 



Rev. WILLIAM SHAW 



State Development 127 

school work with hterature and visitation. It gave assis- 
tance to Congregational and Presbyterian churches alike. 

The gatherings at Chautauqua Lake, in 1878 and 1879, in 
which many prominent Congregational laymen and ministers 
from New York took part, were among the potent influences 
which led to the election of Rev. A. E. Dunning and the 
reorganization of the society. In 1884 Mr. W. A. Duncan 
was elected superintendent for the states of New York and 
Pennsylvania. In 1886 Dr. Duncan was made field secretary, 
but still retained special responsibility for New York, Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and the District 
of Columbia. 

He was untiring in effort in his own large district, and wider 
field, until he retired, after twenty-two years of devoted ser- 
vice. During this period he developed the Home Department, 
and with the avenues open to him in connection with the 
Sunday-School Society and the International Sunday-School 
Association, made it a power for good throughout the entire 
nation and the world. 

In 1911 Rev. Milton S. Littlefield, a Sunday-school special- 
ist of wide reputation, was appointed district secretary, with 
headquarters at New York. 

Pennsylvania, with its mining and industrial interests, has 
had and will continue to have a vast, changing foreign popula- 
tion with rapidly growing cities, as well as rural districts, which 
will always furnish an inviting field for Sunday-school plant- 
ing and fostering. The situation is somewhat different in the 
District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey, 
where the Congregational churches are few, but for the 
most part are urban and vigorous. Secretary Littlefield 
and representatives of the national society were in demand 
for assistance in improving and strengthening the Sunday- 
schools. 

On the appointment of Rev. Charles L. Fisk for the Ohio 
District in 1911, western Pennsylvania, for convenience, was 



128 The Sunday-School Century 

placed under his care, while the remaining part of the state 
continued with the New York District. 

The entire district under the care of Dr. Littlefield has about 
five hundred Sunday-schools. Important Sunday-school in- 
stitutes are held with many of the strongest churches as well 
as with the smaller schools. Dr. Littlefield is called upon for 
leadership in summer schools in his own and other districts, 
as well as in the regular sessions of the churches. 



Alaska 

With the opening of Alaska, the Sunday-School Society 
took its part by grants of literature and other assistance, 
through Superintendent Greene and workers in Washington 
Territory. In 1898 Rev. Loyal L. Wirt, superintendent for 
northern California, was transferred to Alaska as joint superin- 
tendent for the Sunday-School and Home Missionary Socie- 
ties. He found large numbers of young men homeless, and in 
need of the influences which would save them from the tempta- 
tions incident to a newly settled country, and the vices so 
prominent in mining communities. Mr. Wirt aroused wide 
interest in providing institutions to meet the special needs. 
At Douglas, where there was no other Protestant work, a 
library and reading room were established, which reached 
large numbers of men connected with the Tread well Stamp 
Mills. At Nome a reading room and hospital were erected, 
and the Sunday-school there was the only one in the place 
during the first long winter. The Christian Endeavor Socie- 
ties of the denomination were asked to sustain the Alaska 
mission, and in very large measure provided the funds for 
getting the work under way. After two years of romantic 
service, in which much was accomplished, Dr. Wirt resigned. 
The society continued its assistance with Rev. WilUam Davies 
in charge at Nome, and Rev. J. Hammond Cole at Douglas. 



State Development 129 

Good beginnings were made in the years when help was 
greatly needed. 

Hawaii 

Aid was given to the Hawaiian Islands by grants of litera- 
ture through the missionaries of the American Board when it 
was clearly a foreign field, and the society has continued its 
assistance. The schools requiring aid have been almost 
wholly Japanese, Chinese, or native Hawaiian. Americans 
and the people of different races are anxious for the best 
things in Sunday-school work. Invitations have been given 
for representatives of the society to visit the Islands in the 
interest of improved Sunday-school work. 

Porto Rico 

The work in Porto Rico is largely cared for by the American 
Missionary Association. The Sunday-School Society, how- 
ever, has given grants of literature and cooperation through 
the pastors and teachers of the Association for enlarging and 
improving the work. 

Canada 

As early as 1851 cooperation was extended to Canada, where 
the Sunday-school work was in a primitive condition. As 
the country and its churches developed, the need for assistance 
from the United States diminished, and financial aid to Canada 
was discontinued; but hearty cooperation and fellowship 
remained. The literature of the society has found a place in 
the Canadian churches, and in times of special need, grants 
have been provided in different provinces of the Dominion. 

At the time of the most rapid settlement of the new Cana- 
dian Northwest, the Sunday-School Society, through Sec. 
F. K. Sanders, was asked for the services of a worker to ex- 
plore and report to the Congregational Canadian Missionary 



130 The Sunday-School Century 

Society and the Colonial Missionary Society of England. 
Sec. William Ewing, who was then superintendent for Michi- 
gan, rendered this service in 1906, enhsting helpful cooperation 
between the Canadian brethren and the workers of the Con- 
gregational Sunday-School and Home Missionary Societies in 
the United States, as well as outlining plans of operation for 
the British societies. 



'9 



Chapter XIII 

ACHIEVEMENTS AND OUTLOOK 

It is only one hundred years since Congregational churches 
in this country made use, to any extent, of Sunday-school 
organizations. During the century, Sunday-school methods 
have changed the order of church services, have modified 
almost every phase of church activity, and revolutionized 
church architecture. The full story of the Congregational 
Sunday-school century would reveal in a remarkable way the 
genius of our churches, whose aim has been to advance the 
Kingdom rather than to build up a denomination. Con- 
gregationahsts, as individuals and churches, were ready for 
any union movements which gave promise of help to those in 
need. They generously supported the American Sunday- 
School Union; were willing to unite with Methodists, Episco- 
paHans and Baptists for bringing the churches into more 
helpful relation to the Sunday-school work. When others 
withdrew, beheving that more could be accomplished by 
denominations working separately, the Congregationalists 
stiU cooperated as far as possible, and only when it was clear 
that greater results could be achieved by separate effort, did 
they organize independently. For a long time the society, 
supported largely by Congregational churches, aided without 
distinction Congregational and Presbyterian schools. They 
had a worthy part in forming state, national and international 
Sunday-school organizations, and later, the Religious Educa- 
tion Association and the Sunday-School Council of the Evan- 
gehcal Denominations of the United States and Canada, which, 
working with and through the International Sunday School 
Association, practically united all the forces of religious educa- 
tion in the two great nations. CongregationaHsts work happily 

131 



132 The Sunday-School Century 

in far-reaching movements, and have an honored place in the 
Sunday-school councils of the world. 

Their union efforts were not in vain and did much to lift 
the Sunday-school above narrow sectarian influences, and 
their Hterature found circulation among all denominations. 
Their desire for union caused them to hesitate in sending 
out field workers. When it became clear that a field force 
was necessary it was efficiently organized, and Presbyterians, 
Methodists and representatives of other denominations fre- 
quently commended the Congregational organization as a 
model for imitation. The field force from the beginning was 
given responsibiUty in regard to educational improvement as 
well as Sunday-school extension. When scientific methods 
were introduced the field workers did much to improve the 
schools by making popular the best instruction in psychology 
and pedagogy. This brought great changes which have been 
worked out by those in actual touch with the vital spiritual 
needs of the young people. The early records laid emphasis 
upon the number of teachers or scholars who were " con- 
verted " or became " hopefully pious." A peculiar form of 
rehgious experience was often emphasized, and those who did 
not attain it feared to claim their Christian privileges. The 
wider vision resulting from right intellectual and spiritual 
experience brought more healthful standards, although these 
have not been lowered. The workers of the Sunday-School 
Society emphasize education, not as opposed to but a part of 
real evangelism. It is estimated that at least eighty-five 
per cent, of the accessions to Congregational churches are 
through their Sunday-schools. 

Opportunities 

The frontier experiences of the noble army of men and 
women commissioned by the Sunday-School Society in such 
states as Colorado, the Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana and 



Achievements and Outlook 133 

other new states would furnish fascinating volumes. Great 
results have come from their efforts. The real frontier has 
changed, but greatly widened, and is now found not only in the 
new states but in the old. It is in New England, the Central 
States, the Southland and in the great cities as well as in the 
mountain states, the Pacific coast, Hawaii, Alaska and our 
insular possessions. The frontier is wherever there are 
primitive conditions or spiritual needs. The multitudes who 
have come, and the greater numbers who are to come from 
many lands, make an appealing call for missionary zeal, the 
very best literature and the very best methods of rehgious 
education. 

The Congregational churches have had a splendid field 
force who have carried with them the high ideals of rehgious 
education. The work which they have done is fittingly de- 
scribed by Dr. F. W. Gunsaulus as '' giving the best educational 
ideals impelled by the great missionary motives." In 
this way they have ministered to thousands of communities 
in all parts of our land in the plastic period of their develop- 
ment, and to hundreds of thousands in the impressionable 
period of their hves. 

Adjustments and Laeger Things 

The background of nearly a hundred years of effort and 
achievement led the denomination to seek earnestly for larger 
things in connection with religious education as in other 
departments of service undertaken by the societies. 

The adjustment of the Sunday-School Society was con- 
sidered in connection with the report of a special Commission 
at the National Council at Kansas City and referred to the 
Commission on Missions, which Commission reported to the 
National Council at New Haven in 1915. The report recom- 
mended that the transfer of the Sunday-school extension 
work of the Sunday-School and Publishing Society to the 



^ 



134 The Sunday-School Century 

Church Extension Boards be referred to the Directors of the 
ReHgious Education Boards in conference with the Directors 
of the Church Extension Boards and the Commission on 
Missions, these directors being under instructions to arrange 
the transfer if the way be open. 

Report of progress and further action was taken by the Na- 
tional Council at Columbus in 1917. By this action the re- 
sponsibihty for planting new Sunday-schools was transferred 
to the Church Extension Boards, while the educational pro- 
gram of the Sunday-schools was retained by The Congrega- 
tional Sunday-School and Publishing Society from Boston, in 
conjunction with the Congregational Education Society. 

The deep interest taken by the National Council and its 
different Commissions indicate clearly the importance at- 
tached to the Sunday-school as an extension agency and as 
an instrumentahty for developing intelhgent Christian life 
and service through all the churches. The denomination 
has set itself for larger things in Sunday-school extension and 
rehgious education. The achievements of a hundred years 
give assurance for greater things in the coming days and 
vindicate the wisdom of the loyal support of the entire de- 
nomination. 



APPENDIX 



136 



The Sunday-School Century 



APPENDIX A 

Financial Statement from 1882-1916 















Number 




Number of 


Years of S 


ervice 


s.s. 


S.S. 


of Grants 


States 


Workers 


yrs. 


mos. 


Organized 


Aided 


ofLitera- 
ture 


Alabama 


5 


26 


1 


254 


616 


1,003 


Alaska 


3 


3 


6 


6 


39 


79 


Arizona 


8 


31 




64 


144 


281 


Arkansas 


1 


14 




18 


52 


102 


California (No.) 


15 


48 


1 


617 


1,219 


2,231 


California (So.) 


2 


28 




468 


1,495 


3,347 


Colorado 


13 


37 


1 


512 


912 


1,484 


Connecticut 


1 


4 




6 


48 


77 


District of Columbia 


1 


4 




2 


22 


39 


Florida 


5 


18 


3 


116 


242 


392 


Georgia 


3 


26 


7 


302 


645 


1,072 


Idaho 


11 


28 


10 


302 


648 


1,338 


Illinois 


16 


61 


1 


360 


1,018 


2,389 


Indiana 


5 


25 




76 


231 


506 


Iowa 


6 


31 


10 


323 


687 


1,401 


Kansas 


4 


29 




377 


668 


1,275 


Kentucky 


4 


19 


9 


67 


138 


300 


Louisiana 


9 


25 


5 


114 


236 


403 


Maine 


5 


22 


2 


83 


287 


421 


Maryland 


1 


4 




2 


14 


32 


Massachusetts 


6 


23 


4 


66 


628 


1,513 


Michigan 


9 


46 


2 


397 


1,343 


3,014 


Minnesota 


17 


78 


8 


814 


1,465 


2,695 


Mississippi 


2 


8 






17 


22 


Missouri 


4 


29 




195 


558 


1,400 


Montana 


9 


43 


8 


337 


422 


664 


Nebraska 


16 


75 


7 


639 


1,593 


3.198 


Nevada 


3 


29 




15 


21 


42 


New Hampshire 


4 


20 




27 


78 


126 


New Jersey 


1 


4 




1 


26 


40 


New Mexico 


3 


5 




38 


100 


194 


New York 


2 


6 




41 


248 


492 


North Carolina 


3 


20 


6 


80 


914 


2,622 


North Dakota 


21 


56 


8 


715 


1,127 


2,041 


Ohio 


10 


27 


8 


145 


391 


1,033 


Oklahoma 


8 


43 


10 


382 


1,153 


2,369 


Oregon 


22 


53 


4 


740 


1,895 


4,536 


Pennsylvania 


3 


30 




18 


143 


272 


Rhode Island 


1 


12 




3 


32 


67 


South Carolina 


3 


20 


6 


19 


114 


266 


South Dakota 


28 


165 


1 


694 


945 


1,600 


Tennessee 


5 


13 


10 


154 


275 


534 


Texas 


25 


49 


9 


268 


463 


780 


Utah 


3 


9 




12 


214 


534 


Vermont 


4 


22 




49 


143 


263 


Virginia 


1 


4 




5 


40 


71 


Washington 


19 


89 


10 


920 


2,978 


8,355 


West Virginia 


1 


4 




1 


5 


6 


Wisconsin 


10 


54 


1 


504 


1,140 


2,498 


Wyoming 


8 


33 


5 


161 


245 


420 


Foreign Lands 








2 


774 


1,490 



1,565 



11,511 



28,851 61,329 



Appendix 



137 



APPENDIX A 

Financial Statement from 1882-1916 



Value 










of Grants 


Cost of 








of Literature 


Service 


Total 


Receipts 


Legacies 


$1,713.22 


$8,937.58 


$10,650.80 


$2,276.20 




326.56 


5,448.51 


5,775.07 


307.96 




391.45 


5,869.21 


6,260.66 


1,127.74 




334.40 


1,779.69 


2,114.09 


400.50 




6,917.69 


67,831.22 


73,748.91 


29,796.41 


$225.00 


6,380.05 


48,858.00 


55,238.05 


23,440.95 




2,990.04 


50,527.70 


53,517.74 


15,956.10 




203.24 


7,081.77 


7,?,85.01 


188,862.37 


17,281.14 


128.17 


314.48 


442.65 


6,338.13 




799.51 


9,259.86 


10,059.37 


3,159.05 




1,737.05 


15,538.91 


17,275.96 


2,583.73 




2,715.21 


34,022.69 


36,737.90 


2,994.72 


50.00 


11,572.56 


94,837.89 


106,410.45 


42,401.01 


1,255.55 


1,965.28 


9,803.71 


11,768.99 


4,839.50 




4,530.66 


46,844.52 


51,375.18 


59,327.31 




4,517.46 


44,226.99 


48,744.45 


19,486.99 




641.90 


3,573.82 


4,215.72 


639.89 




881.58 


9,611.65 


10,493.23 


1,589.77 




1,174.43 


11.063.55 


12,237.98 


22,565.09 


1,344.00 


79.64 


104.84 


184.48 


1,218.42 


20,097.50 


6,429.97 


13,963.35 


20,393.32 


448,462.39 


57,838.37 


6,866.89 


58,916.65 


65,783.54 


83,309.48 




7,038.86 


97,771.51 


104,810.37 


44,453.20 




39.31 


1,759.51 


1,798.82 


65.11 




6,710.49 


43,931.36 


50,641.85 


26,898.84 


200.00 


1,675.85 


47,299.91 


48,975.76 


5,176.15 




6,946.23 


63,366.84 


70,313.07 


38,074.99 




40.27 


524.16 


564.43 


221.47 




234.69 


6,969.26 


7,203.95 


42,885.63 


12,658.77 


136.31 


1,308.07 


1,444.38 


15,524.00 


100.00 


488.61 


2,017.48 


2,506.09 


562.56 




1,805.73 


9,523.19 


11,328.92 


87,310.36 


6,929.21 


2,438.97 


3.365.22 


5,804.19 


1,718.80 




4,239.90 


65,333.05 


69,572.95 


17,629.89 




6,808.56 


46,343.04 


53,151.60 


81,467.32 


6,103.23 


4,168.76 


35,205.84 


39,374.60 


6,098.74 




9,437.42 


69,125.29 


78,562.71 


12,235.85 


25.23 


947.31 


1,966.15 


2.913.46 


11,431.52 




215.71 


884.75 


1,100.46 


18,097.68 




350.63 


445.40 


796.03 


138.82 




3,928.54 


74,902.08 


78,830.62 


20,618.16 




1.777.89 


8,332.65 


10,110.54 


1,236.90 




1,624.13 


33,006.95 


34,631.08 


3,347.57 




2,278.55 


5,447.16 


7,725.71 


1,197.66 




509.66 


9,454.51 


9,964.17 


44,755.28 




135.60 


104.84 


240.44 


404.73 




22,458.68 


116,883.34 


139,342.02 


30,936.76 




18.83 


206.82 


225.65 


510.70 




5,504.39 


50,740.67 


56,245.06 


66,843.43 


3,692.50 


914.42 


37.304.05 


38,218.47 


3,546.04 




4.207.36 




4,207.36 
$1,541,318.31 


193.25 




$159,378.62 


$1,381,939.69 


$1,544,665.12 


$127,800.50 



138 



The Sunday-School Century 



APPENDIX B 

Persons connected with the work of the Society 



Abbott, Rev. Lyman, 41. 

Adams, W. H. M., 102. 

Albro, Rev. J. A., 57, 68. 

Alden. Rev. E. J., 47, 55. 

AUen, W. B., 58. 

Andrus, Dea. G. R., 109, 113. 

Arakelyan, J. J., 56, 71. 

Arnot, Rev. J. K., 108. 

Atkinson, Rev. G. H., 44, 113, 115. 

Babcock, Rev. J. M., 106. 

Bagnall, Rev. Fred, 97. 

BaUey, Rev. A. W., 87, 88. 

Barber, Rev. L. N., 116. 

Barney, Rev. J. O., 27. 

Barrie, Rev. N. C, 102. 

Barrows, Rev. William, 39. 

Barrows, Mrs. William, 59. 

Beaman, C. C, 20. 

Beane, Rev. P. A., 27. 

Beane, Rev. Samuel, 27. 

Beard, Rev. A. F., 42. 

Beard, Rev. Clarence, 121. 

Beard, Miss Frederica, 65. 

Beecher, Rev. Lyman, 4, 13, 23, 26. 

Beitel, Rev. J. H., 98. 

BeU, Rev. W. S., 101, 107. 

Benedict, Rev. A. J., 112. 

Benker, Miss L. M., 99. 

Benton, Rev. J. A., 117. 

Berckman, Rev. W. O., 126. 

Blackbm-n, Rev. J. F., 124, 126. 

Blake, Rev. Mortimer, 40, 47, 58. 

Bloom, Rev. W. K., 103. 

Bond, Rev. W. A., 115. 

Bower, Rev. A. N., 115. 

Boynton, Rev. G. M., 48, 50, 69, 84, 98. 

Boynton, Mrs. Julia H., 58. 

Brand, C. A., 59, 84. 

Brewer, F. S., 102. 

Brooks, S. C., 105. 

Brown, Rev. D. M., 90, 101. 

Bro^vn, Rev. L. E., 102. 

Brown, Rev. Richard, 115. 

Brown, Rev. S. P. , 124. 

Bryant, Rev. J. W., 115. 

Bryner, Mrs. Mary J., 90, 93, 94. 

Buell, Rev. S. H., 99. 

Bullard, Artemus, 14, 16, 118. 

Bullard, Rev. Asa, 5, 19, 29, 39, 48, 56, 

73, 83, 86, 114. 
Burch, Rev. H. H., 95. 
Burgess, Rev. H. F., 114, 115. 
Burlingame, Rev. Martin, 115. 
BurneU, K. A., 27. 
Burr, Rev. Huber, 118. 
Bush, Rev. A. S., 100, 105, 106, 111. 
Bushnell, Rev. C. W., 109, 114. 
Butler, -lev. E. W., 125, 126. 



Calhoun, Rev. J. C, 121, 123. 

Gary, L. H., 55. 

Case, Rev. H. P., 80, 85, 105, 106, 111. 

116, 117. 
Chatfield, Rev. G. W., 112, 122. 
Cherington, Rev. R. B., 117. 
Chicago Directors, 68, 69. 
Clark, Rev. Allen, 103. 
Clark, Rev. J. H., 104. 
Clark, Rev. K. K., 122. 
Clarke, Rev. A. T., 124, 125. 
Cleveland, Rev. H. C, 115. 
Cole, Rev. J. H., 128. 
CoUier, T. J., 93. 
Collins, Rev. C. C, 125. 
Colman, Rev. Eben, 27. 
Colvin, John, 101, 
Conard, Rev. W. J., 104. 
Congregationalist Editors and Publishers, 

61, 64. 
Cook, Joseph, 41. 
Cook, Rev. S. P., 84. 
Cooke, Rev. W. H., 117. 
Cotton, H. A., 90. 
Crafts, Mrs. W. F., 59. 
Crater, G. W., 101. 
Creegan, Rev. C. C, 41. 
Cronin, Rev. H. C, 119. 
Curtis, Rev. A. W., 125. 
Curtis, Rev. C. H., 115. 
Cutter, Rev. M. M., 55. 

Dahlberg, Rev. Fred, 92, 97, 122. 

Dahlgren, Rev. J. A., 103. 

Daley, Rev. C. M., 101, 107, 108. 

Danielson, Miss F. W„ 65, 85. 

Davies, Rev. William, 128. 

Davis, Rev. D. W., 101. 

Davis, Rev. F. H., 105. 

Davis, Rev. M. C, 115. 

Dawson, Rev. W. L., 114. 

Day, Rev. R. C, 117. 

Dazey, Rev. J. C, 121. 

Dean, C. C, 18, 54, 69, 83. 

DeBevoise, Rev. G. H., 83. 

Deck, Rev. H. A., 113. 

Dick, Rev. J. M., 114, 116. 

Dickey, Rev. J. G., 103. 

Dierlamm, C. R., 103. 

Dietrich, Rev. Emil, 101. 

DiU, M. T., 71. 

Dole, Rev. C. J., 93. 

Duncan, W. A., 41, 47, 78, 127. 

Dunning, Rev. A. E., 42, 46, 48, 58, 59, 

62, 82, 84, 90, 96, 127. 

Ebersol, Rev. C. E., 103. 
Eckhardt, Rev. J. G., 118. 
Edwards, Rev. G. N., 108. 



Appendix 



139 



ElUott, Rev. W. A., 90, 97. 
Ellis, Rev. G. A., 105. 
Elmquist, Elmer, 112, 
Estabrook, Rev. F. J., 106. 
Evans, Rev. J. E., 101. 
Ewing, Rev. William, 51, 84, 97, 102, 
107, 130. 

Fairbanks, Rev. C. G., 102. 

Fairbanks, John, 55. 

Fairchild, Pres. J. H., 41. 

Farrar, John, 125. 

Fisher, Rev. M. B., 116, 117. 

FLsk, Rev. C. L., 94, 126, 127. 

Fisk, Rev. F. L., 90. 

Fitch, Rev. C. N., 105, 106. 

Foote, J. D., 27. 

Ford, E. C., 107. 

Foss, Rev. Christian, 103. 

Foster, Rev. J. W., 120. 

Fowler, Rev. O. L., 114. 

Frazer, Rev. C. W., 124. 

Gadsby, Rev. George, 93. 

Gait, Rev. T. F., 101. 

Gammon, Rev. R. W., 64, 91, 95. 

Gazarian, Rev. G., 118. 

Gimblett, W. H., 102. 

Gonzales, Rev. J. B., 121, 123. 

GoodeU, Rev. C. L., 42. 

Gordon, C. H., 102. 

Graham, Rev. J. M., 125, 126. 

Grant, Miss Zillah, 84. 

Grauer, Rev. O. C., 92. 

Gray, Rev. Annette B., 107. 

Gray, B. P., 101. 

Gray, Rev. W. B. D., 100, 106. 

Green, Rev. G. E., 101. 

Greene, Rev. Samuel, 109, 110, 113. 

Grey, Rev. Fred, 100. 

Gunderson, A. E., 98. 

Hacke, Rev. A. C., 96. 
Haecker, Rev. M. C., 101. 
Haight, Rev. J. T., 98. 
Hale, M. L., 68. 
HaU, Rev. F. L., 85, 99. 
Hall, Rev. James, 26, 27. 
Hall, Rev. William, 27. 
Hamilton, Rev. B. F., 68. 
Hammond, Rev. W. B., 27. 
Hardy, Alpheus, 68. 
Harger, Rev. C. H., 98. 
Harper, Rev. Joel, 120. 
Hart, Rev. F. W., 101. 
Haun, Rev. G. C., 92. 
Haus, Rev. Kate H., 105. 
Hayes, Rev. James, 90. 
Hazard, M. C., 47, 58, 60, 84, 90. 
Heald, Rev. J. H., 112. 
Hefner, Rev. H. J., 121. 
Hensel, Rev. W. A., 122. 
Herrick, L. E., 95, 101. 
Herrick, Rev. R. P., 101, 103. 
Herrick, Rev. S. C., 68. 
Hershner, Rev. J. L., 114, 115. 
Hill, Rev. E. L., 90. 
Hitchcock, A. W., 105. 
Holden, Rev. R. B., 101. 
Howard, Rev. T. W., 103. 



Hughes, J. B., 115. 
Hughes, Rev. J. E., 101. 
Huntington, Rev. J. C., 103, 121, 123. 
Hurlbut, Rev. W. H., 112, 120, 122. 
Hurlbut, Mrs. W. H., 122. 

Ingham, Rev. J. E., 100. 
Isely, Miss M. A., 106, 111. 

Jackson, H. D., 98. 
Johnson, Rev. A. R., 109. 
Johnson, Rev. H. O., 108. 
Jones, Miss H. M., 93. 

Kautsky, Miss E. A., 119. 
KeUner, Rev. C. J., 122. 
Keranen, Miss Anna, 80, 87. 
Keyes, G. W., 96. 
Kilbon, Rev. J. L., 59. 
KimbaU, Charles, 68. 
Kindred, Rev. George, 109. 
King, Milton, 102. 
King, Rev. W. D., 98. 
Kirchner, A. F. C, 121, 123. 
Knodell, Rev. J. R., 95. 
Kuhl, Rev. E. H., 121. 

Lambert, Rev. H. W., 119. 
Lane, Capt. G. W., 86, 125. 
Lathrop, T. B., 101. 
Lawless, A., 123. 
Lee, Rev. G. H., 114. 
Lee, Rev. H. A., 110. 
Leeman, Rev. Wilhelm, 80, 87. 
Lewis, Miss Anna N., 111. 
Lewis, Rev. F. F., 88, 106. 
Littlefield, Rev. M. S., 127. 
Louch, Rev. William, 118. 
Lyman, Rev. A. T., 106. 
Lyman, Rev. Harvey, 101. 
Lyons, Rev. E. C, 103. 

Maile, Rev. J. L., 41, 98, 104, 119. 
Marsh, Rev. Christopher, 18, 83. 
Marsh, Rev. F. J., 83, 85, 87. 
Martin, C. B., 123. 
Martin, Rev. Joel, 97. 
Matthews, Rev. J. H., 110, 114, 116. 
McCoy, Rev. C. C, 123. 
McCready, Rev. William, 101, 106. 
McDermott, Miss S. A., 91, 95. 
McMillen, Rev. W. F., 90, 91, 93, 94, 

126. 
Means, Rev. J. O., 40. 
Meredith, Rev. R. R., 58. 
MerriU, Rev. G. P., 114. 
MiUer, Rev. A. C, 101. 
MiUer, Rev. E. W., 96. 
Miller, Rev. I. C, 102. 
Munson, Rev. M. C, 115. 
Murphy, Rev. C. G., 98, 112, 120, 122, 

123. 

Nelson, W. G., 114. 
Newcomb, Rev. G. W., 27, 96. 

Newcomb, Rev. O. R., 94. 
Newlands, R. W., 117. 
Newton, W. R., 121. 
Nichols, Rev. D. B., 26. 
NichoUs, Rev. R. D., 109. 



140 



The Sunday-School Century 



Nichols, Miss Martha, 84. 
Noble, Rev. Mason, 124. 
Noyce, Rev. J. C, 98. 

O'Brien, Rev. J. P., 119, 126. 
Okerstein, Rev. J. F., 80, 103. 
Osgood, H. M., 101. 
Owens, Rev. Edmund, 112. 

Parker, Rev. L. J., 120, 122. 
Parks, Rev. A. S., 104. 
Parmelee, A. H., 93. 
Patterson, Howard, 117. 
Pearson, Rev. L. O., 98. 
Pederson, Rev. L. J., 102, 103. 
Pendleton, Rev. J. N., 109, 114. 
Percival, Rev. J. T., 109, 114. 
Perry, Rev. P. L., 112. 
Phillips, E. H., 123. 
Pinney, I. E.. 102. 
Plass, Rev. Norman, 93. 
Piatt, Rev. J. E., 99, 120. 
Poeton, Rev. Josiah, 87. 
Pope, Rev. Joseph, 108. 
Powell, Rev. G. J., 108. 
Presidents of the Society in order of 
service : 

Hon. William Reed, 13, 17, 20, 66. 

Alfred D. Foster, Esq., 20, 66. 

Hon. Samuel T. Armstrong, 20, 26, 66. 

Hon. Samuel H. Wallev, 26, 35, 66. 

Hon. Charles T. Russell, 23, 35, 66. 

J. Russell Bradford, 67. 

Ezra Farnsworth, 67. 

Samuel Johnson, 67. 

Samuel B. Capen, LL.D., 42, 47, 67, 
71, 79. 

Rev. Willard Scott, D.D., 67. 

Pres. Henry C. King, LL.D., 67. 

Rev. F. H. Page, 67. 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., 68. 
Putnam, Rev. L. P., 101, 107. 

Quint, Rev. Alonzo, 68. 

Ranney, H. E., 71. 
Reade, Rev. O. E., 106. 
Reese, Rev. J. B., 101. 
Reitzel, Rev. J. R., 91. 
Rice, Rev. C. B., 58. 
Roberts, Rev. E. P., 115. 
Robinson, Rev. O. L., 92. 
Rockwood, Rev. G. A., 115. 
Rogers, Rev. C. T., 125. 
Rogers, Rev. W. O., 120, 122. 
Rood, Rev. J. S., 103. 
Rose, Rev. W. F., 115. 
Roth, V. W., 107. 
Rowley, Rev. R. A., 114, 115. 
Russell, Rev. Alec, 101. 
RusseU, Rev. Frank, 41. 

Sage, Rev. C. J., 103. 

Sahlstrom, Rev. L. A., 80, 102. 

St. John, Prof. E. P., 65. 

Samson, Ashley, 22. 

Sanders, Rev. F. K., 50, 84, 129. 

Sargent, M. H., 54, 69. 

Sass, Rev. F. W., 98. 



Sattler, Rev. John, 101. 

Saunders, Rev. E. E., 102. 

Saunders, Rev. H. L., 121. 

Schwabenland, Rev. J. C, 80. 

Scott, Miss Grace, 117. 

Scudder, Charles, 68. 

Seccombe, Rev. S. H., 120, 121. 

Seil, Rev. Herman, 80. 

Sell, Rev. H. T., 90, 92. 

Seward, Rev. A. L., 112. 

Shaw, Rev. E. S., 98, 102, 108. 

Shaw, Rev. WiUiam, 124. 

Singer, Rev. E. J., 109, 114, 117, 118. 

Slattery, Miss Margaret, 65, 84. 

Smith, Rev. A. J., 121. 

Smith, Rev. E. E., 103, 108. 

Smith, Rev. G. A., 121. 

Smith, G. P., 54, 55. 

Smith, Rev. H. N., 115. 

Smith, Rev. O. O., 95. 

Smith, Rev. WilUam, 115. 

Snider, A. B , 115. 

Soderquist, Rev. Carl, 80, 103. 

Southgate, Rev. B. M., 90, 94, 126. 

Soza, Juan, 112. 

Spire, Rev. W. J., 108. 

Stanley, Miss Grace E., 84. 

Stewart, Rev. J. D., 41, 98. 

Stewart, Rev. W. R., 85, 88. 

Stickney, Rev. E. H., 102, 107. 

Stillman, Rev. O. A., 115. 

Stockwell, Rev. C. K., 108. 

Stone, Rev. S., 103. 

Storm, Rev. J. E., 98. 

Storrs, Rev. R. S., 42, 61, 74. 

SuUens, Rev. A. J., 90, 94, 110. 

Sumner, Rev. M. N., 125. 

Sutherland, Rev. W. L., 2, 100, 103, 119. 

Tewksbury, J. H., 47, 55, 63, 69. 
Thompson, C. D., 98. 
Thomsen, Rev. Ludwig, 110. 
Towle, Rev. C. A., 95. 
Trabue, Miss A. L., 100. 
Tracy, Rev. D. W., 107. 
Triplett, Rev. T. H., 121. 
Trower, W. G., 109. 
Truman, Rev. Daniel, 98. 
Tuttle, Rev. H. W., 95. 
Tweedy, Rev. Harry, 98. 

Upshaw, Rev. William, 115. 

Van Valkenburgh, Rev. H. C, 101. 
Vavrina, Rev. Vaclav, 101. 

Waldron, Rev. D. W., 38. 
Waldron, Rev. G. B., 125. 
Walton, Rev. Gilbert, 125. 
Wangelin, F. G., 93. 
Wannamaker, Rev. H. S., 90. 
Ward, Miss Lucy A., 10.5. 
Warren, E. K., 71, 96, 122. 
Watson, Rev. J. J., 90. 
Wattenbarger, Rev. O. T., 122. 
Weatherby, Rev. W. H.. 121. 
Wellman, Rev. J. W., 32, 68. 
Weston, S. A., 59, 61, 84. 
Wheeler, W. E., 93. 



Appendix 



141 



Whiddon, Rev. W. Z., 121, 123. 
Whittemore, W. F., 55, 62. 
Wightman, Rev. A. O., 27. 
Willan, Rev. John, 92. 
WilUams, Rev. H. T., 90. 
Williamson, Rev. George, 121. 
Winchester, Rev. B. S., 60, 65, 84. 
Wingate, H. K., 103. 
Wirt, Rev. L. L., 116, 117, 128. 
Wise, Rev. W. C, 114. 



Wismer, Rev. E. L., 98. 
Wolfe, Rev. Joseph, 115. 
Woodruff, Rev. G. C, 105, 106. 
Wygal, Miss O. B., 119. 

Yarrow, Miss Florence, 117. 
Yost, Rev. J. J., 87. 
Young, A. G., 102. 
Young, Rev. H. W., 114. 
Young, Rev. W. E., 114. 



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